|
|
Work, Welfare & Families
|
|
|
January 23,
2007
WEEKLY REVIEW |
|
|
In this
issue:
|
|
|
Work, Welfare and Families has merged with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. Click here to read on...
A SUMMARY OF CTBA'S FISCAL SYMPOSIUM Event discusses economic importance of public investments in Illinois
COOK COUNTY BUDGET CUTS Implications for health services and opportunities to take action
STUDY: AFFORDABLE HOUSING No more waiting: Illinois public housing shortage
FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE BILL Senate slated to vote on a minimum wage increase this Wednesday
RESOURCE: FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES Sites open throughout Illinois assist low income families with tax preparation
2007 LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR Key dates and events taking place this legislative session
LEGISLATIVE ROSTER Tell us what's on your legislative agenda this spring
FREE OFFICE FURNITURE Contact us for more information
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
|
|
|
A SUMMARY OF CTBA'S FISCAL SYMPOSIUM |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
EVENT DISCUSSES ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN ILLINOIS
On Wednesday, January 17, 2007, the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA) held its 6th Annual Fiscal Symposium, entitled "How Public Sector Investments in Infrastructure Create a Positive Business Climate and Help Make Illinois Competitive in a Global Economy."
The day consisted of a group of
dynamic speakers and lively discussion focused on answering the question:
How do we build private sector incentive to support infrastructure growth?
Each speaker addressed the importance of public sector investments such as
education, transportation, workforce development, economic development, and
the need for Illinois tax reform to ensure the state can afford to provide
the services necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the age of
globalization. CTBA would like thank all of the speakers who helped to make the event such a success. If you would like to view the day's agenda and a list of speakers, click here.
Check Out the Following New Reports on Illinois Fiscal Health and Workforce Development
CTBA's Fiscal Symposium also marked the release of two new important reports on Illinois' economic outlook.
The first report, issued by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, Private Sector Job Trends and The Illinois Structural Deficit: What Illinois’ Changing Economy Means For The Demand For Public Services and The State’s Fiscal Capacity to Fund Them, finds that
Click here to read CTBA's full report.
The second report that was
released at CTBA's Fiscal Symposium was a study conducted by Good Jobs First
which tracked all the state-granted economic development subsidies in the
Chicago region provided to specific companies between 1990 and 2004.
The study shows that job subsidies granted by several Illinois state
agencies have severely shortchanged Chicago and many parts of Cook County.
Instead of helping to revitalize areas in the region hardest-hit by plant
closings and job flight, the state's development deals have favored
affluent, outlying areas with low unemployment and the strongest tax base.
The resulting spatial mismatch between new job creation at the fringe and
economic need at the core means many transit-dependent workers cannot
benefit from regional growth. Click here to read Good Jobs First's full report, Gold Collar: How State Job Subsidies in the Chicago Region Favor Affluent Suburbs.
CTBA would like to thank the funding organizations and sponsors for their support of the event, including AFSCME Council 31, Alphawood Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Grand Victoria Foundation, Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Individual Contributors, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, LaSalle Bank, SEIU Local 1, Chicago Public Schools Public School Foundation, Union League Club of Chicago, United Power and the Woods Fund of Chicago.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
STUDY: AFFORDABLE HOUSING |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
DEMAND CONTINUES TO GROW: ILLINOIS PUBLIC HOUSING SHORTAGE
Click here to access the report,
Not Even a
Place in Line – 2007 – Public Housing & Housing Choice Voucher Capacity and
Waiting Lists in Illinois |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
COOK COUNTY BUDGET CUTS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE ACTION
The Cook County 2007 budget was
released on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 (click
here to view the
budget online). The deadline for budget approval is Wednesday,
February 28th. Action Steps - What You Can Do The Illinois Maternal and Child Heath Coalition (IMCHC) has issued an Action Alert, highlighting the system-wide health care crisis that will result from Cook County President Todd Stroger's demand for 17% across the board cuts. IMCHC contends that proposals to consolidate or close Ambulatory Health Care Network Clinics - school health centers, community clinics, and specialty clinics - and service cuts at Provident and other County hospitals will leave women, children and families in the cold.
IMCHC's Action Alert emphasizes
that Cook County Bureau of Health Services, the state’s mandated safety net
provider, serves uninsured/underinsured, poor and indigent residents from 21
counties—not just Cook County. Without a stable continuum of care children
may miss immunizations, pregnant women may go without prenatal care and more
people will seek care in expensive Emergency Rooms.
If you would like to speak up and help save health services, you can:
Upcoming public budget hearing dates and locations:
Grassroots activities that are planned so far:
To get involved, you can fill out this form and fax it to IMCHC at 312-491-8171. IMCHC will be organizing members to attend hearings and meetings. For more information contact Karen Berg at 312-491-8161 or kberg@ilmaternal.org. On Monday, January 15, HMPRG held an initial meeting that brought together 150 people concerned about the budget cuts. From this meeting, a listserve was generated and there will soon be a website. To join the listserv, send an email to HealthCareJustice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Read an article from Community Media Workshop's Newstips webpage about the budget cut implications for Access to Care, a nonprofit health care delivery system for the medically disadvantaged of suburban Cook County and northwest Chicago: County Cuts Threaten Suburban Health Service.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE BILL |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SENATE SLATED TO VOTE ON A MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE THIS WEDNESDAY On January 10, the House voted 315 to 116 to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour by 2009. Now it's time for the Senate to begin a debate over Senate Bill 2 (S. 2), which would also raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to 7.25 an hour by 2009. Advocates for the increase are urging Senators to vote for a simple, straightforward minimum wage increase without weighing down the bill with billions of dollars in tax cuts for business interests, the line-item veto, proposals that would harm workers such as overtime rollover or tip penalty, and proposals that could jeopardize affordable health care coverage. Minimum wage proponents contend that such add-ons unnecessarily prolong the economic instability and uncertainty of minimum wage workers. At least 60 votes are needed to overcome delaying tactics. If you would like to express your support of an increase in the federal minimum wage, call your Senators toll-free at 1-800-459-1887 and ask them to support S. 2, which will raise the minimum wage for the first time in 10 years.
How To Call
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RESOURCE: FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS ASSIST LOW INCOME FAMILIES WITH TAX PREPARATION The Center for Economic Progress is gearing up for tax season and will be opening tax sites throughout Illinois to provide free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families. Most sites are open January 27 through April 14, 2007. The Center for Economic Progress (CEP) has been providing free tax preparation services for low income individuals and families since 1994, and has returned over $196 million in federal and state refunds to Chicago and other Illinois communities. Last year, CEP volunteers prepared 27,985 returns and processed $39.1 million in refunds statewide. Visit the Center for Economic Progress' website for more information about its free tax preparation services, including answers to the following questions:
Outreach staffer Luisa J. Rollins is available to schedule outreach presentations about the Center’s services in communities; contact her with questions or for more information at 312-252-0280 ext. 279 or lrollins@centerforprogress.org.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2007 LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
KEY DATES AND EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION Below is a list of the important dates planned for this year's 2007 Legislative Session. In addition to these key dates, take note that the Governor's Budget Address is scheduled for February 21. Click here to download the General Assembly's full 2007 Legislative Calendar for January, February, March, April and May.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
LEGISLATIVE ROSTER |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
TELL US WHAT'S ON YOUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA THIS SPRING The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability is currently compiling information to include in its 2007 Statewide Legislative Roster. The Roster tracks legislation that our partner organizations are writing, sponsoring or following during the upcoming legislative session. It is updated regularly throughout the year so that our members can be informed of the status of legislation affecting low- and moderate-income families and can more easily lend their support to advocacy efforts. To have your organization's legislative efforts included in CTBA's 2007 Legislative Roster, or if you have information on bill numbers and/or advocacy materials, please email Valerie at vchepp@ctbaonline.org.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FREE OFFICE FURNITURE |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION We are giving away some of our office items -- everything is free -- all you need to do is pick up your item from 166 W. Washington, #700 sometime between Feb. 12 and Feb. 28. If you are interested in any of the items listed below or would like more information about the furniture that is available, contact Valerie Chepp at 312-658-0225 ext. 203 or vchepp@ctbaonline.org.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
UPCOMING EVENTS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TODAY |
WHAT? Changing Demographics of Children in Chicago: A Public Policy Forum WHEN? Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago For more information, to see a list of panelists and to register for this event, click here.
WHAT? Informational Session: Primary Care Case Management and Disease Management WHEN? Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM WHERE? 1701 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Click here for more information.
WHAT? Informational Session: Primary Care Case Management and Disease Management WHEN? Thursday, January 25, 2007, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? 2751 W. Winona Chicago, IL 60625 Click here for more information.
WHAT? The Chicago Early Education, Child Care, and School-Age Conference WHEN? January 25-27, 2007 WHERE? Hyatt Regency McCormick Place For more information and regularly updated workshop listings, click here or call 312.427.5399.
WHAT? Informational Session: Primary Care Case Management and Disease Management WHEN? Wednesday, January 31, 2007, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM WHERE? 3249 S. Oak Park Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 Click here for more information.
WHAT? Illinois Works for the Future Press Conference WHEN? Tuesday, February 6, 2007, 11:00 AM WHERE? Blue Room, State Capitol Building, Springfield For more information, contact Valerie Chepp at vchepp@ctbaonline.org or 312-658-0225 x203
WHAT? Illinois Action for Children's Statewide Public Policy Caucus WHEN? Tuesday, February 6, 2007 WHERE? President A. Lincoln Hotel in Springfield
For more information, click here
to read the
flyer or contact Nicole Bonilla at (773) 697-6132 or
bonillan@actforchildren.org.
WHAT? Immigrants and Public Benefits Training WHEN? Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Can a Piece of Paper Keep a Battered Person Safe? Lessons From Recent Research on Orders of Protection WHEN? Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 2:15 PM - 4:30 PM WHERE? DePaul Center, Room 8005, One East Jackson Blvd., Chicago Click here for more information.
WHAT? Domestic Violence and Public Benefits Training WHEN? Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Anti-Hunger Policy Conference WHEN? February 25-27, 2007 WHERE? Washington Court Hotel, Capitol Hill, 525 New Jersey Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. Click here for more information.
WHAT? National Association of Social Workers - IL Chapter Lobby Day WHEN? Tuesday, February 27, 2007 WHERE? Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, IL Click here for more information.
WHAT? Making the Connection: Basic Training WHEN? Wednesday, March 14, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Illinois Action for Children's Annual Conference and Lobby Day: Spring Into Action 2007 WHEN? Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday, March 28, 2007 WHERE? President A. Lincoln Hotel in Springfield For more information, contact Nicole Bonilla at 773-697-6132 or bonillan@actforchildren.org
WHAT? Understanding the Public Benefits Appeal Process Training WHEN? Wednesday, April 12, 2007, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Understanding Spenddown Training WHEN? Wednesday, April 12, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Making the Connection: Basic Training WHEN? Wednesday, May 17, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
For
any questions on information contained in this Weekly Review, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
