Crowley gives COVID-19 and community updates in State of the County Address

MILWAUKEE, (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says he hopes this is a true turning point in the fight against COVID-19.

In the State of the County Address, Crowley said thousands have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last year.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Emergency Management has delivered nearly half a million masks.

But Crowley says a deeper problem persists in health care and the county.

"We have seen two destructive forces, COVID-19 and institutional racism, wreck havoc on our community each day this pandemic goes on," said Crowley. "We know that without addressing those structural issues now, we will continue to see widening racial health disparities long after the pandemic is behind us."

Crowley also spoke about the county budget.

He suggests implementing a local option sales tax increase that could decrease property taxes and fund county programs.