Citing the changing needs of immigrants to Chicago, the Cook County Commission on Thursday approved the transfer of $70 million originally earmarked for providing medical care to immigrants, and instead redirecting the cost of meal services to new immigrants. paid for.
The money makes up the bulk of the $100 million that Board President Toni Preckwinkle earmarked for the county's disaster response and recovery fund out of the $9.6 billion 2024 budget. The remaining $30 million was earmarked for “municipal or regional government costs” related to the influx of migrants and “other disasters that may occur in 2024.”
Cook County Attorney Laura Lechowicz Felicione said last year's total immigration medical costs of $25 million were covered by surplus funds and “various spending allowances, primarily salaries and wages.”
“We are hopeful that we will be able to cover that cost again this year with surplus funds,” she said. This would free up $70 million to reimburse the city of Chicago for costs associated with feeding asylum seekers in reception facilities and shelters. The resolution also leaves room for the funds to be used to support other “costs associated with New Arrivals funding activities.”
County officials elaborated during a press conference Thursday afternoon, saying that these additional costs will be determined in conjunction with the city if funds remain after migrants' food needs are met, but they will not be able to provide shelter for asylum seekers. He said that this may also include the management of the facility.
The County Commission unanimously approved redirecting funds to cities, but several commissioners on Thursday expressed concerns about shifting investments for immigrant care. Commissioner Tara Stamps said during the Finance Committee discussion of the resolution that she felt other pressing needs in the community were not being adequately addressed.
“When we allocate, spend, reallocate funds, whatever it is, it's very obvious, it's reported in every news outlet, people see it,” Stamps said. . “It is clear that the large sums of money invested in this humanitarian effort are impacting other communities in very visceral ways and bouncing back to the people who represent them. I think we need to address that in a way.”
Several commissioners also emphasized the importance of the board maintaining oversight over the city's spending of funds.
“This is an issue where people want transparency,” Commissioner Bridget Gaynor said. “I don't want to do anything difficult, but I also don't want to hand it over without seeing any changes because the umbrella is so big.”
In response to those concerns, Preckwinkle said after Thursday's vote that the county would receive an invoice before reimbursing the city of Chicago for the food.
Separately, Chicago aldermen on Wednesday postponed a vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to allocate $70 million for immigrant care. The plan could come up again at Friday's full City Council meeting.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
