DuPage County District 5 News for Winter 2020

December 2020 newsletter for DuPage County Board District 5

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dupage county news
COVID-19 vaccine rollout

DuPage County, DuPage Medical Group Receive First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccine

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, DuPage County Board of Health President Sam Tornatore, and DuPage County Health Department Executive Director Karen Ayala joined DuPage Medical Group Chief Medical Officer Dr. Don Hoscheit and Chief Operating Officer Donna Cooper and staff as the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine was received in DuPage County on Dec. 16. DuPage Medical Group partnered with the DuPage County Health Department to provide ultra-cold storage for the 13,650 doses of vaccine. The vaccine was transported to area hospitals and healthcare workers first received COVID-19 vaccinations on Dec. 17. Click here to learn additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine.


Chavez inauguration event

Chavez Takes Oath of Office

Amy Chavez took the oath of office via Zoom to become a County Board member on Dec. 7 during the County's inauguration ceremony. The ceremony was held virtually and in-person to meet public health guidelines. Click here to watch a video of the inauguration ceremony.


DuPage County Allocates Federal Dollars for COVID Relief

Over the past several months, DuPage County has allocated federal Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to numerous groups to help with the fallout to COVID-19. The Board allocated:

  • $5 million to restaurants and bars struggling with mitigation guidelines
  • $2,025,000 for townships to support local food pantries
  • $1,563,588 to 40 local nonprofits
  • $1 million to 38 park districts
  • $825,268 to residential and behavioral health providers
  • $300,000 to partner with the DuPage Health Coalition to provide an influenza vaccination program for uninsured residents
  • $1.5 million to provide low-income students with internet service

To date, the Board also provided more than $20 million to local small businesses through the Reinvest DuPage program.


Strategic Planning Discussion on Race Relations

Strategic Planning Committee Hosts Discussion on Race Relations

In October, Strategic Planning Committee Chairwoman Sadia Covert welcomed Omar Ali and Shafeek Abubaker from the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Abdullah Mitchell and Maqsood Quadri from the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago to discuss race relations in DuPage County and the value the Muslim community brings to the County.


DuPage County Approves FY2021 Budget

The DuPage County Board on Nov. 24 approved its Fiscal Year 2021 budget, which includes a balanced, $483.3 million spending plan.

The FY 2021 spending plan increased funding for public safety. The State’s Attorney’s Office received additional allocations to support three special prosecution units and increased resources for investigations and trial preparation. The Sheriff’s Office will receive funding for ongoing training programs focusing on de-escalation techniques and policing in a diverse society as well as a drug task force.

As DuPage County works with healthcare providers to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, it will continue the fight against the virus in 2021.

The total budget for DuPage County is $483.3 million, with a General Fund budget of $179.4 million and a $69 million property tax levy, which represents a slight increase to capture new construction in the county being added to the property tax rolls. The property tax rate remains flat and the average DuPage County homeowner will not see an increase in their property tax bill.

The 2021 Fiscal Year began on Dec. 1. To view the full 2021 County budget document, visit www.dupageco.org/finance.


19th Amendment Celebration

Covert, DeSart Celebrate 100th Anniversary of 19th Amendment

County Board members Sadia Covert and Dawn DeSart joined the League of Women Voters for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26.


DuPage County, College of DuPage Launch Anti-Racism Initiative

In partnership with DuPage County, the College of DuPage launched a new initiative to unite the community against racism and provide a platform for meaningful conversations to help audiences reflect, share and act. Together, the College and DuPage County will participate in activities to examine the ways that racism exists and reflect on the ways COD and the surrounding community are working together to create a better world.

The academic-year-long initiative will incorporate social media, videos, photos, forums and a partnership with key stakeholders. The primary goal is to have open dialogue, strengthen diversity and create change in DuPage County.

The new campaign encompasses a web platform that includes COD stories and videos through the eyes of community leaders, faculty, staff and students; a community “read and reflect” series; virtual forums and a blog highlighting personal stories on race and diversity.

For more information about Chaps Unite Against Racism and to get involved, please visit www.cod.edu/chapsuniteagainstracism.


Complete Count Committee

Complete Count Committee Receives Update from Naperville

DuPage Complete Count Committee Chairwoman Sadia Covert welcomed Mark Rice and Ashfaq Hussein, members of the Naperville Complete Count Committee, who presented to the committee on Oct. 6.


Proclamation honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DuPage County Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Chairman Dan Cronin invited Nicole Cameron, Executive Director of Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to accept a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Family Shelter Service helped more than 1,600 adults and children in need in 2020. To learn more about services for those impacted by domestic violence, visit www.metrofamily.org/fssofmfsd.


Proclamation Honoring Hope's Garden

Cronin Presents Hope’s Garden Proclamation

Chairman Dan Cronin presented a proclamation to the DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick, Michael Beary of JUST of DuPage, and all community members involved in transforming Hope's Garden into a wonderful community asset. The garden is planted in memory of Baby Hope and maintained by DuPage County inmates, producing as much as 1,500 pounds of produce in its first year.


Giving DuPage Update

Looking to give back during these difficult times? Hundreds of volunteers are needed at local nonprofits. Giving DuPage can help connect you with an organization you are passionate about. Learn more by visiting www.givingdupage.org.

MEET DISTRICT 5

Meet District 5