Layoffs 'likely' If Cook County Soda Tax Isn't Reinstated

NBC Chicago reports that layoffs are "likely" if Chicago's Cook County tax on sugary beverages is not reinstated. County agency heads reportedly received a letter from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle that they would need to cut their budgets by 10 percent before Aug. 1 if the soda tax is not reinstated. According to a memo sent by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, as many as 925 county employees of the department could be laid off as a result of spending cuts and as many as 2,600 employees could be laid off if the tax is not back in effect by December. The tax was scheduled to take effect July 1 and was estimated to raise $67.5 million in new revenue for the county by Nov. 30. The next hearing on the tax is scheduled for July 12.