Cook County Board of Commissioners Approves Gun Violence Reduction Grants, Assault Weapons Ban
Cook County Board of Commissioners Approves Gun Violence Reduction Grants, Assault Weapons Ban (Cook County, IL) — On Thursday, July 28th, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a series of measures for reducing gun violence. Using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Cook County awarded nearly $75 million in grants to directly support violence prevention programs over the next three years.
“This $75 million initiative, led by our Justice Advisory Council, is more than symbolic and signals a beacon of hope,” said President Preckwinkle. “It represents our commitment to investing in communities that continue to experience the ramifications of racism and historic disinvestment.”
The thirty-four grants were awarded to individual organizations and coalitions serving city neighborhoods and suburban municipalities that the ongoing gun violence epidemic has impacted most.
“This much needed investment into our communities is critical to bringing safety back to our streets. This money is not just thrown at a problem, but carefully planned to address root causes of violence and systemic failures,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “I am proud to be a yes vote on both of these measures and will stay committed to keeping families safe by investing in our communities.”
Commissioners also approved a resolution banning the sale, possession and use of assault weapons or large-capacity magazines in Cook County. This resolution is a continuation of Cook County’s 1996 Blair Holt Assault Weapons Ban, which was upheld in 2020 by the US Supreme Court.
Cook County Board of Commissioners Approves Gun Violence Reduction Grants, Assault Weapons Ban
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