CHICAGO, IL — Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16) issued the following statement regarding the .5 percent reduction in the Cook County sales tax, which goes into effect today:

“This is an important step forward for Cook County taxpayers, who are struggling to make ends meet amidst rising unemployment and a growing tax burden.

“But it is only a first step.

“In the coming months I plan to introduce additional tax relief measures, including an ordinance to fully repeal the Stroger sales tax and an ordinance that would require a supermajority vote of the county board to raise taxes and fees on the people and employers of Cook County.

“The overtaxation and lack of accountability offered by Cook County government has failed the taxpayers for far too long. It’s time for a change, and I pledge to continue our fight for this honest reform.”