At their meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the “Healthy Workforce and Health Care Access Amendment” and “Fair and Equal County for Immigrants Amendment”. These amendments protect access and encourage engagement with the healthcare system and law enforcement in Cook County both of which lead to a strong and healthy Cook County Workforce. “There are three basic principles, I believe, that foster a competitive workforce. Access to health care, protection via law enforcement, and the knowledge they can seek employment protections from the County,” said Bridget Gainer, Commissioner of the 10th District and sponsor of the legislation. “Making sure every resident in Cook County – regardless of immigration status – can stay healthy, feel safe to call the police to report crime in their community without fear of family members being deported is a top priority for me.”

The Healthy Workforce and Health Care Access Amendment amends the Cook County Code to prohibit discrimination of persons based on immigrant status or documentation. This amendment, which passed by a unanimous vote, adds “immigration status” to the list of protected classifications in the Cook County Code, which include race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, gender identity or house stats. The Fair and Equal County for Immigrants Amendment also passed by a unanimous vote. President Toni Preckwinkle said both measures enhance Cook County as a diverse community that values and supports all of its residents. “We are fully committed to ensuring that all of our residents, regardless of immigration status, feel protected if and when they utilize our health system or come into contact with law enforcement for any reason,” President Preckwinkle said. “We are proud of our record on these issues and these resolutions affirm that position.”