CHICAGO, IL -- Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16) today lauded the Cook County Board for passing his proposed ordinance to fully repeal the sales tax increase enacted last year.

“This is a great day for the Cook County taxpayers, as we have taken action to provide them swift tax relief in these tough economic times,” said Peraica. “The twelve commissioners who voted for this repeal deserve credit and thanks for a job well done.”

The ordinance passed on a vote of 12-3, with Commissioners Beavers, Steele and Butler providing the no votes, and will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

“This sales tax increase was hurting employers and consumers alike — and punishing them during the economic downturn,” said Peraica. “The tax relief we enacted today will allow Cook County families to save more of their hard-earned money, and provide a real stimulus to our county’s employers, especially those losing business to neighboring counties.”

This is the latest victory for Peraica, coming on the heels of county board passage of his transparency resolution to put the county check register online for public viewing.

“Our efforts to provide real tax relief and make Cook County government more open and transparent are paying off,” said Peraica.

-30-