You can watch along with the meeting here: facebook.com/cookcountymiss…

The biggest thing on the agenda is a presentation from UIC profession Amanda Lewis on the report, "Chicago's Racial Wealth Gap." I expect that is definitely going to make the whole meeting worth showing up for.

You can find the full agenda here: assets.documentcloud.org/documents/2070…

So get up and stretch, make a fresh cup/pot of tea, and get ready for another peek at county government.

The feed is live and Alma Anaya is reading the notice that the meeting is being held virtually.

I will miss this procedural ritual when everything is back to being in person.

We're on to roll call to determine quorum. If you recall last month's meeting, we did not get quorum and proceeded with the agenda anyway. So far we seem to have a higher turnout this time...

QUORUM!

But no public comment or testimony. *sigh* 1/2 isn't bad.

Voice vote to approve the minutes with no edits or discussion.

Alma Anaya is requesting an amendment to the agenda so she can give updates from her end. The amending happens and we're diving right in to those updates.

First update, American Rescue Plan. Cook County is set to receive ~$1Billion. County is developing spending plan based on needs.

Spending is planned to follow the county's priorities.

Second update: Cook county has set forth an equity fund task force.

Task force will serve in an advisory capacity in terms of what the different communities need and the systems that affect residents. Recommendations should feel free to reach out to her (Anaya) office.

There is a need and interest to make sure commissioners know how to provide suggestions to the equity fund. There's also discussion about community meetings.

Another update: Welcoming two new commissioners.

One of them is Mayor Vernard Alsberry of Hazel Crest, who takes a moment to introduce himself to the commission.

Next: There were a few items at the last board meeting the Commission should know.

Worker protections around Covid-19 vaccination rights for employees and employer obligations. Employees can't be banned or punished for taking time off to get vaccinated. It's similar to what the city passed. Introduced at the last meeting, will be discussed.

Also, introduced resolution to protect the civil rights of immigrants. This was started by a subcommittee and this will ensure the safety of all residents who come to public buildings run by the county.

Last update: Vaccination. In Cook county, as of May 19 49.6% excluding Chicago have at least 1 dose and ~38.6% have completed. They are working with organizations and others to expand vaccinations or have an event. Contact them for that if you have an org that wants an event.

Now Anaya is introducing Prof. Lewis, distinguished profession of Black Studies and Sociology at UIC. She's at The Institute for Research on Race & Public Policy.

Their works is available for free download here: irrpp.uic.edu/state-of-racia…

First data slide of the presentation, a graph that shows how much less of a safety net Black and Latino families have compared to white families. https://t.co/5yuGZbnbGD

For context she shows national wealth gaps with data from 2000, 2010, and 2017, which shows the gap increasing over that time. She explains that this gap is due to intergenerational transfer of wealth. Savings and income rates do not change these gaps. https://t.co/XFSVkWTFId

To expand on the last point, she shows a slide that shows the gaps, split out by whether or not they have a college degree. Even without college, white families still have 10x the wealth on average of Black ones. https://t.co/iTkvRneL94

We're hitting technical difficulties while on this slide. It shows the details of the people involved in this study group. It compares Blacks, Latinxs and whites by whether they're financially vulnerable, treading water, or stable. https://t.co/jnWD275VGb

Technical struggles resolved and Prof Lewis picks up to make the point that intergenerational wealth isn't just about inheritance, but includes support over the course of their lives.

Several slides contrasting responses from white graduates who had support for college from their family, and responses from Black graduates who had families who wanted to be supportive but didn't have financial reserves to provide that.

Downpayments, help buying a car, and help paying for childcare also play into this.

Complicating this further is that families that are financially struggling, the children often support the parents in addition to paying all their own expenses and carrying debt.

Given the tendency to marry and socialize within racial groups, it means that respondents also tended to be in networks that either had resources, or didn't, which played out in additional sources of support and opportunity.

Moving on from outlining the problem to look at policy options. Reparations, baby bonds, enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, investing in higher education and forgiving student debt, robust family support policies, retirement security, and raising the minimum wage. https://t.co/AwbeERmejM

Presentation wrapped and opening up to questions. Anaya asks whether any one of the policies are more important than others or it needs to be a collective push.

Lewis answers that some policies are easier than others but points out that many people argue that you can't close the racial wealth gap without funding reparations. Then specifically calls out reducing the cost of higher education as necessary.

Rodger Cooley asks whether she has any suggestions for policies Cook County should do specifically.

Lewis says that closing budget gaps at the county and city level by issuing fines and fees, that targets poorer families. Eliminating cash bail is also "hugely consequential."

Lewis goes on to say that policies around policing etc have significant consequences. Also calls out need to consider how housing segregation plays into this.

Patrick Brutus, "the information is one-dimensional," as his preamble to asking for Lewis's opinion, "Why has it taken government so long to make the necessary correction in policy that would start the reversal of these real economic trends that have persisted over decades?"

Lewis answers: "I'm going to be frank with you because we don't have time for me to be delicate," and says that government has historically been part of the problem rather than the solution. Cites redlining, says you should know what that is, then explains it just in case.

Howard Males comments next. When he worked on digital equity with county president Preckwinkle, wants to look at how to get people to be wage earners beyond minimum wage without college degrees. Asks whether the two year degree or digital upscaling for people has been studied.

Lewis responds they haven't. Issue is "We've sold everyone on the idea of college for all," while scaling back support for college. Problem is that we don't have other pathways to work like other countries have.

Mayor Alsberry says he's heard that when people graduate in Chicago and cook county then move away, they do better. Asks whether she has research on that and if it's true.

(Question after my heart)

Lewis says there's some research. Lot of migration out of Chicago from 1980 until 2000. But they weren't going far. They're staying in the metro area, Wisconsin, Indiana, etc. to where there are jobs and it's more affordable. 5% to Atlanta, 5% to Charleston.

She says the population has declined, but not in the last 10-15 years, it just wasn't talked about much. Emphasizes that most of those who left stayed close.

End of Q&A for Prof Lewis, moving on to committee reports.

First up Comm Cooley and reporting on Workforce Development committee. Looking at pathways for securing employment and wealth building for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Comm Yonan got updates on Fair Transit. Looking at having the committee continue to advocate for a unified fare card system.

Looking at using American Recovery Plan funding for some infrastructure projects for the southland.

On to announcements and upcoming events.

Comm Malone is working with Bronzeville Lakefront which is aiming to be the most equitable development in the country. They're looking for everyone, including paid interns who will begin in July.

No other announcements so motion to adjourn which passes.

Promptly at 5:30 we are adjourned. This concludes my livetweet coverage of the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation. For more meeting coverage, check out documenters.org.