Cook County has proposed nearly 600 layoffs, including at the public health system, after the repeal of a sweetened beverage tax, according to WTTW.
The 1-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages, which is intended to raise money for the county, went into effect in August but was repealed in October.
Now the county is proposing layoffs and cuts.
The proposed cuts include $29.6 million from the hospital system, according to the report. The county has also proposed cuts from the court system, sheriff's office and county jail, and the state's attorney's office.
The proposed 600 layoffs, which focus on managerial, supervisory and administrative roles, include 22 at the hospital, according to the report. Two vacant hospital positions are also proposed for elimination.
County commissioners continue to negotiate potential cuts, and the current proposals are subject to change.