Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger
  • Orland Township Summer Picnic 2023
    Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic Education
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening Federal
  • On Tuesday, May 16th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined Leyden Township officials to kick-off Commissioner Aguilar’s new Leyden Township satellite office. The event included elected officials, community organizations, and residents from throughout the 16th District.
    Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township Cook County
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Children taken out of state returned to father by Dads’ Rights attorney Chicago
  • Barbecue BBQ hamburgers grill. Photo by Joshua Kantarges on Unsplash
    Orland Fire District hosts monthly barbecues for the public June 7 Events
Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey logo

Fritchey proposes Countywide ID Card

Posted on July 5, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Fritchey proposes Countywide ID Card
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Fritchey, Garcia propose Cook County ID Cards

 Clerk Orr calls program ‘important step forward’

Cook County Commissioners John Fritchey and Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia today were joined by County Clerk David Orr as they announced their plans to introduce an ordinance creating a Cook County identification card, providing more Cook County residents with the opportunity to obtain official identification.

The ID card would be available to anyone living in Cook County who provides sufficient documentation to establish both that person’s identity and residence. Under the proposal, the Cook County ID card would serve as proof of identification and county residency and would be accepted by all County agencies and any entity receiving County funds. Additionally, all state and local governmental entities would be encouraged to accept the Cook County ID card as a valid form of identification.

Commissioners Fritchey and Garcia noted that certain population segments have historically had difficulty obtaining a valid and recognized form of government-issued identification. Those groups include the homeless, the disabled and elderly, aspiring citizens, runaway youth, formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society, children and students, adult survivors of domestic violence, as well as transgender and non-conforming individuals. Additionally, a study by the Brennan Center for Justice, showed that while approximately 8% of whites lack a government-issued ID, approximately 25% of African-Americans lack such an identification. The availability of a County ID will allow all such individuals the opportunity to access public services they may have previously been excluded from for lack of official identification.

Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey logo
Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey logo
“A recognized form of identification is essential to engaging in many fundamental activities such as getting married, seeing a doctor or requesting medical records, opening a bank account or applying for a job. Possessing a valid ID also makes many individuals more willing to engage with law enforcement for matters such as reporting a crime,” said Commissioner Fritchey. “By offering a government identification that is accessible to all Cook County residents, we can help people more easily access and obtain County services while at the same time, showing people who choose to call Cook County home that they are welcome here and they belong.”
The sponsors said that they were inspired by the success of other municipal identification programs across the country, including New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. but acknowledge that efforts were ramped up in light of the national climate. They also complimented the municipal identification program recently passed by the Chicago City Council.

“While we applaud the efforts and progress Chicago has made toward establishing its own municipal ID, it is important to note that Cook County contains 132 municipalities and is home to more than 5 million people, half of whom live outside Chicago,” said Commissioner Garcia. Commissioner Fritchey added, “We believe that all Cook County residents should have the opportunity to obtain official government identification and this measure would provide for just that.”

As proposed, the ID program would be overseen and administered by the office of the Cook County Clerk. Clerk David Orr is supportive of the proposal, stating tat “This is an important step forward for thousands of people throughout Cook County to efficiently receive proper identification. My office is certainly willing to administer the program, and it is my hope that this proposal moves forward with careful collaboration between the County and City of Chicago.”

The sponsors noted that that a county ID card would also have a positive impact for many local governments and their residents. Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero, a supporter of the proposal, stated that “Providing our residents with a valid government identification will not only help in the administration of local government services but will give our residents a deserved sense of belonging in our community. I applaud the Commissioners for their efforts.”

The Commissioners have been working with stakeholders including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights, Communities United and Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois in an effort to address privacy and other potential concerns of municipal identification applicants. Commissioner Garcia noted that the County will not retain copies of applicants’ application documents and pointed out that their proposal contains safety features designed to protect the integrity of the program.

“Today, we honor the full humanity of all our Cook County residents. In this dark climate of xenophobia and divisiveness at the national level, we at Cook County have chosen to be inclusive and welcoming,” said Commissioner Garcia. “By establishing a County identification card, we are leading the way in recognizing that all Cook County residents are full participants in the economic and social life of our communities.” If passed, the Commissioners believe that the County could begin issuing the ID card starting in early 2018.

Many essential County services require proof of identity and/or residency including:
  • Applying for marriage and civil union licenses
  • Obtaining copies of case files and court information with the Clerk of the Circuit Court
  • Requesting medical records and picking up prescriptions at the Cook County Health and Hospital System
  • Visiting a family member or loved one at Cook County Jail
  • Accessing the Cook County Military and Veterans Discount Program
  • Claiming property belonging to a decedent
  • Applying for Homeowner and senior/senior freeze property tax exemption applications
  • Obtaining Low Cost Rabies Vaccinations for pets

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings - May 26, 2023
  • Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans - May 24, 2023
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits - May 23, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Politics Tags:Cook County, ID Cards, Identification Cards, John Fritchey

Post navigation

Previous Post: Celebrity homes for Martin, Kennedy, Lear for sale
Next Post: U2 Skips Chicagoland in latest tour

Related Posts

  • Muhammad Ali Center United Way
    Ali Center announces Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award recipients  Chicago
  • Chicago Wolves versus San Diego Gulls 2 to 2 play-off game schedule Western Conference Finals
    Carr gives Wolves double-overtime Play-off win Entertainment
  • Police tape lies on the ground in front of the now closed Crossing Bar and Grill. (File photo courtesy of the Southwest News Newspaper Group)
    Worth’s Crossing Bar and Grill won’t reopen after shooting Crime
  • Jordan Michalak MugShot
    23-year-old Berwyn man charged in DUI related deaths Oct. 9 breaking news
  • Book Cover "Laptop from Hell" by Miranda Devince
    Questions remain unanswered about Hunter Biden’s ties to Ukraine Blogger
  • House Fire 9800 Avenida Del Este Orland Park Nov. 7 2022 Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    Orland Park Home fire, Avenida Del Este Monday evening, Nov. 7, 2022 Cook County

More Related Articles

CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia Coronavirus testing site opens in Orland Park Cook County
34th Ward Alderwoman Carrie Austin. Photo courtesy of Carrie Austin Website and campaign Is there a double standard when it comes to “corruption” Blogger
Flames light up the opening of the Wolves Hockey Games at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Chicago Wolves 2019-20 Season cancelled because of Pandemic Chicago
Edward Kodat, selected as successor to Michael J. Madigan int he 22nd Illinois House District by district leaders Feb. 21, 2021. Photo courtesy Edward Kodatt Kodatt selected to succeed Madigan by 22nd District community leaders Chicago
(SAN ANTONIO –Aug. 14, 2019) Lt. j.g. Kathleen Spyrnal of Oak Lawn, Ill., an Officer Programs operations officer assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio (NRD), presented a certificate of appreciation to WWII Merchant Marine Ray Denison during an Alamo Honor Flight Breakfast held at a local Cracker Barrel Country Store. Attended by other WWII veterans, the breakfast also served as a venue to celebrate Denison’s 100th birthday. Denison, a long-time city resident and native of Eagle Pass, Texas, joined the U.S. Merchant Marines on Memorial Day 1942 and served till November 1945. While serving, he held a reserve commission as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy. (Navy photo by Burrell D. Parmer, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio/Released) Oak Lawn Navy Recruit helps honors WWII Merchant Marine in San Antonio Features
Owners of Remodeled Cicero Bar Commend Restore Construction Features

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023
  • Store destroyed by looters and arsonists who participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in Chicago at the end of May 2020. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has abandoned victims of looting along with the members of the Chicago Police Department. Photo courtesy Ray Hanania
    New and extremist Chicago political Machine takes over
    April 11, 2023
  • Ray Hanania
    Seniors being abandoned by extremist politics on both sides
    April 6, 2023
  • Illegal placement of election signs should be prosecuted
    April 5, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • the proposed map of the Chicago School Board Districts released by Illinois Senate Democrats. Courtesy of the CHicago GOP Proposed Chicago School D... Proposed Chicago School District map is a "gerrymandered disgrace" Chicago... posted on May 7, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • NEWS
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme