File #: 17-3613    Version: 1 Name: CALLING FOR HEARINGS FOCUSED ON BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
File created: 5/25/2017 In control: Human Relations Committee
On agenda: 6/7/2017 Final action: 11/21/2018
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HEARINGS FOCUSED ON BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHEREAS, the City of Chicago has a population of 2.7 million, of which 33 percent is black, and Cook County has a population of 5.2 million, of which 25 percent is black; and WHEREAS, the State of Illinois in 2016 had an overall unemployment rate of 5.7 percent; and WHEREAS, unemployment among white Illinoisans in 2016 was 5 percent; and WHEREAS, the unemployment rate for black Illinoisans in 2016 was 12.7 percent; and WHEREAS, unemployment in the majority black communities of West Garfield Park, Austin, and Englewood is above 20 percent; and WHEREAS, there is a direct correlation between increased unemployment and increased violence; and WHEREAS, nationally, whites are employed at a rate of 2 to 1 compared to their black counterparts, but in Illinois that rate is 3 to 1; and WHEREAS, this is an urgent issue facing the City, County, and State; and WHEREAS, the Human Relations Committee of the County ...
Sponsors: RICHARD R. BOYKIN

title

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

CALLING FOR HEARINGS FOCUSED ON BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

 

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago has a population of 2.7 million, of which 33 percent is black, and Cook County has a population of 5.2 million, of which 25 percent is black; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois in 2016 had an overall unemployment rate of 5.7 percent; and

 

WHEREAS, unemployment among white Illinoisans in 2016 was 5 percent; and

 

WHEREAS, the unemployment rate for black Illinoisans in 2016 was 12.7 percent; and

 

WHEREAS, unemployment in the majority black communities of West Garfield Park, Austin, and Englewood is above 20 percent; and

 

WHEREAS, there is a direct correlation between increased unemployment and increased violence; and

 

WHEREAS, nationally, whites are employed at a rate of 2 to 1 compared to their black counterparts, but in Illinois that rate is 3 to 1; and

 

WHEREAS, this is an urgent issue facing the City, County, and State; and

 

WHEREAS, the Human Relations Committee of the County Board will hold joint hearings with the Chicago City Council’s Human Relations Committee regarding policy solutions to this important issue.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the President of the Board of Commissioners that the Human Relations Committee will hold public hearings to explore policy solutions to the high black unemployment rate in Illinois.end