“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.” 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In her first legislative session, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, demonstrated her commitment to working families and supporting a stronger middle class.

Edly-Allen supported a balanced, bipartisan budget that controls spending, meets the state’s full pension obligation, pays down over a billion dollars in unpaid bills, and provides $375 million in new funding for education to invest in our children and help ease the property tax burden placed on local homeowners.

“The fiscal instability over the last four years will take decades to repair, but passing a balanced, responsible budget is a first step,” said Edly-Allen. “This budget will control state spending while allowing us to pay down old unpaid bills and making our full obligated pension payment. We will continue to work towards a responsible long-term budget plan to help put Illinois’ fiscal health back on the right track.”

To train skilled workers and grow the local economy, Edly-Allen supported legislation backed by leading business groups creating the 21st Century Employment Grant Program to encourage public-private partnerships and job training programs aimed at preparing workers for $35-per-hour or more jobs. Edly-Allen also supported Senate Bill 1591 to expand tax credits to ensure high school students are presented with all post-secondary and career options. She introduced and passed House Bill 3652, which requires school counselors to provide students with comprehensive information on all career and technical education options. Bill passed unanimously due to Mary’s ability to work across the aisle.

“Our economy depends on a skilled workforce that is diverse, educated and ever-evolving,” said Edly-Allen. “Local companies tell me they are eager and ready to hire and expand their operations, but they struggle to find the skilled workers that they need. Meaningful investments in job training, starting with educating high school students about their post-secondary options is a step in growing the local economy and putting people to work in high paying jobs.”

To provide tax relief to the middle class, Edly-Allen supported a fair income tax proposal that provides tax relief to 97% of taxpayers. Edly-Allen’s plan ensures that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share, while generating additional resources for schools, universities, hospitals, and local service providers that serve seniors, children with disabilities and survivors of domestic violence.

During the Legislature’s summer recess, Edly-Allen will visit 17 towns in 17 days and continue meeting with her local Citizens’ Advisory Committees, hosting free community events and seminars, and hosting meet and greet sessions with local residents.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Following adjournment of the spring legislative session, State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, fought for key reforms to raise wages for working families, hold the wealthy accountable and pass a balanced budget that funds vital services.

Andrade supported one of this session’s most historic and progressive reform that would provide tax relief for 98.4% of local families. The Fair Tax Amendment and accompanying rates will not only provide necessary tax relief for families, but require the ultra-wealthy in Illinois to pay their fair share and generate an additional $3 billion in new revenue, which would be used to fund human services, invest in education and job trainings.  The amendment, if approved by voters on the 2020 ballot, would allow the General Assembly to change the current regressive flat tax structure.

“Balancing the budget on the backs of the middle class while the rich get richer is not the economy our working families deserve,” said Andrade. “It is time we end the era of regressive flat taxation and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share through the Fair Tax.”

Andrade supported Senate Bill 1, which will gradually increase the statewide minimum wage from $8.25 to $15 an hour by 2025. The legislation also provides tax credits for small businesses and non-profits to help them offset the increased wages and hire new employees.

“Families should not be struggling to make ends meet because they are not being paid fairly for their labor,” said Andrade. “I personally have endured the struggles and the anxieties that come with making minimum wage despite working full-time. If we invest in our workforce by paying them adequately, they will reinvest in our communities and our local economies will become stronger.”

Andrade voted in favor of a responsible budget that respects the financial burdens already placed on the middle class and funds critical services like breast and cervical cancer screenings, homelessness intervention and addiction treatment services.

“For too long, we had a governor who chose to blindly cut services with no regard to our neighbors who relied upon them,” added Andrade. “I am proud to have supported a balanced and humane budget that does not forget about those who we were elected to serve.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Throughout the spring legislative session, state Rep. Nicholas Smith, D-Chicago, worked hard to help middle-class families throughout Illinois by increasing the minimum wage and supporting a Fair Tax to make the wealthy pay their fair share. Smith also championed accessibility and affordability for education at all levels, as well as holding elected officials accountable on decisions regarding education.

“Ensuring hard-working families across Illinois earn a living wage is one of my top priorities,” said Smith. “I proudly supported an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, which will help to combat rising costs of living, health care and education. I also supported a Fair Tax to provide relief to local middle-class families. Our current tax system is catered to the wealthy, but under the Fair Tax Amendment that I supported, Illinois can move towards a system that cuts taxes for hard-working families while asking millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share.

Smith supported Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1, the Fair Tax Amendment. The proposed amendment to the state Constitution will be placed on the ballot in 2020, allowing voters to make the decision if the state should move to a new tax plan.

“Education opens the doors to opportunity and the chance to succeed. That is why I am proud to fight for expanded access to higher education for those working hard to support themselves and their families,” said Smith. “I also proudly spearheaded legislation improving transparency in decision-making for local schools, allowing parents and community members to hold their  school officials accountable. I also worked to address our teacher shortage by removing unnecessary requirements that have prevented otherwise qualified teachers from entering the classroom.”

Smith, a steadfast advocate for education, sponsored or supported an assortment of legislation focusing on education including House Bills 2205 which would require Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to publish a cost-benefit analysis after the announcement of a school closure. House Bill 2267, supported by Smith, would make the  CPS Board elected rather than appointed, allowing parents, teachers, and community members to directly hold them accountable for their decisions.

Smith was a Chief sponsor of House Bill 423 removing the basic skills test requirement from the teacher certification process, a move designed to address the Illinois teacher shortage crisis, as according to the Illinois State Board of Education, more than 1,500 vacant teaching positions went unfilled across the state during the 2017-2018 school year. Smith’s Senate Bill 1641 requires colleges and universities to notify students who are eligible for benefits under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), only open to full-time students working at least 20 hours a week or those who support a dependent five years or younger.

“While I am proud of the progress made by the General Assembly this session, there is still more work to do to move Illinois forward,” continued Smith. “I look forward to returning home and engaging with local residents and community leaders to discuss ways that we can work together to build a stronger Illinois. I will continue to bring their concerns, ideas, and values to Springfield to shape our state and help create a more prosperous Illinois for all.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to provide tax relief for their local residents and demand the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, issued the following joint statement after supporting the Fair Tax amendment:

“Working families are struggling under the current regressive, flat tax system that has for too long favored the ultra-wealthy. A Fair Tax will require millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share that will help fund our schools, infrastructure, health care all while providing tax relief for 97% of all Illinois taxpayers…

“The Fair Tax amendment is only one step toward our goal for a balanced budget that ensures a better future for Illinois and its middle class. Our work does not end here, we must continue to provide homeowners real property tax relief, expand access to career training that prepares people for high-wage jobs and making health care more affordable. As champions of the Fair Tax amendment, we stand firm in our commitment for the working families in our communities, and we will continue leading the fight to ensure that taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money.” 

State Rep. Ortiz represents the 1st District which includes parts of Archer Heights, Brighton Park, Garfield Ridge, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Chicago Lawn, and Marquette Park.  

State Rep. Ramirez represents the 4th District, including sections of Hermosa, Humboldt Pak, West Town, Noble Square, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, and West Town. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement urging for the passage of the Fair Tax Amendment:

“The communities we represent sent us to build an Illinois that works for them and working families across Illinois. They cannot afford more devastating cuts to services that help them move up the socioeconomic ladder. For too long, Illinois’ budget crises have created instability and divestment in our communities, while the rich have gotten richer.

“A Fair Tax is a first step toward requiring that the very wealthy pay their share so we can invest in our local schools, create good paying jobs, and make sure all Illinoisans have access to quality and affordable health care. It is also a critical step toward putting our state on firmer financial footing and ensuring that Illinois is truly a place for Latino advancement.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Chicago, issued the following statement after the passage of legislating creating a fair wage in Illinois, Senate Bill 1, passed the General Assembly:

“Last November, the people of Illinois rejected the corporate agenda of Bruce Rauner that enriched the ultra-wealthy at the expense of middle-class families. Instead they chose a different path for our state—one that lifts up the middle class and promises  every resident that is willing to put in an honest days a fair wage and opportunity to thrive.

“Families in our state haven’t seen an increase in the minimum wage in over a decade, yet the cost of basic essentials like food, healthcare and housing all continued to go up. The status quo wasn’t working for our families and something needed to change.

“Today’s passage of Senate Bill 1 marks an important first step in creating an economy that works for the middle-class, not huge corporations or billionaires. This measure will put more dollars back into the pockets of working families, increasing consumer spending and driving local economic growth.

“Senate Bill 1 creates a brighter future for workers across Illinois and I urge Gov. Pritzker to take swift action and sign this proposal into law.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In recognition of his career of fighting for the rights of working men and women, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, will serve as a member of the House Labor and Commerce Committee during the 101st General Assembly, advocating for the rights of middle-class families.

“Serving on this committee offers a great opportunity to help connect my experience in fighting for the rights of local workers and families to the bill making process,” said Yednock. “This position will help allow me to be a strong voice for local families and ensure that we protect worker’s rights, fair wages, and safe working environments.”

In addition to serving on the Labor and Commerce Committee, Yednock will serve on the House Committees on Transportation: Vehicles and Safety, Insurance, Agriculture & Conservation, and Veterans’ Affairs. Yednock looks forward to hearing and passing important legislation through these committees to protect consumers, seniors, farmers, and veterans in his community.

“As we continue to find ways to help put our state back on track after the budget impasse, it’s important we ensure that the programs that local families rely on are protected,” said Yednock. “Throughout the 101^st General Assembly, I will continue to fight for what’s important to our region and serving on these committees helps ensure that Illinois Valley residents have the proper input on legislation as it affects them.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, is renewing her pledge to serve local residents through her work and advocacy on committees to which she has been appointed. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve on a number of important committees tasked with solving tough issues facing our state,” Greenwood said. “I am committed to introducing proposals that uplift residents throughout our community. That is why I’m moving forward to sponsor measures to create jobs, drive economic growth, fund our local schools, and look at new ways to reduce poverty.”

Greenwood was appointed to serve on six committees before the Illinois House of Representatives:

• Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education, Vice-Chair
• Counties & Townships
• Health Care Availability & Accessibility
• International Trade & Commerce
• Labor & Commerce
• Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancement
• Special Issues Subcommittee

 “The committees which I’ve been appointed to serve as a constant reminder that we have a lot of work to do to get Illinois back on track, specifically with the unique challenges facing our community,” Greenwood continued. “I will work tirelessly to advance measures which will support and promote the best interests of our area.”