Budget Request From Public Defender Meets Resistance From Cook County Board President

Budget Request From Public Defender Meets Resistance From Cook County Board President

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Cook County’s public defender’s office provides free legal representation in criminal court for defendants who can’t afford lawyers. Earlier this week, public defender Amy Campanelli, made a case to the county’s Board of Commissioners that she needs $2 million more than board president Toni Preckwinkle has proposed for next year: $78 million, not 76. Preckwinkle says she has no intention of revising her budget for the office, but Preckwinkle’s budget needs the County Board’s approval. Board member Larry Suffredin says he’s looking for funds to fulfill Campanelli’s request.