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April 10,
2007
WEEKLY REVIEW |
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In this
issue:
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The Weekly Review has got a new look!
Each week, the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability publishes an on-line and e-mail news bulletin of current public policy issues and events in Illinois and on the federal level that affect low and middle income families. The Review provides information about happenings in the General Assembly, state agencies and Congress; tracks the efforts of activists and policymakers; and provides readers with information to advocate for policies that would benefit low and middle income families within their respective communities.
COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM Get the facts on HB/SB 750
TWO REPORTS BY THE WOODSTOCK INSTITUTE Racial disparities in mortgage lending; Chicago foreclosure rates skyrocket
REPORT: LOW-WAGE WORK IN ILLINOIS Poor job quality leads to increased reliance on public assistance programs
TRANSPORTATION
OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION Training and employment funding, employment for homeless youth
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM |
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According to U.S. Census data, between 1979 and 1999, the bottom 60% of earners saw a 6% decrease in income (in real 1999 dollars). The top 15% saw over a 50% increase in income.
Federal data also shows that the lowest 20% of earners face a 12.7% tax burden, nearly 8% of which goes to sales and excise taxes. On average, the top 15% (those earning over $101,400 annually) see a 6.1% tax burden, approximately 2% of which, on average, goes to sales and excise taxes. |
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GET THE FACTS ON HB/SB 750
How will 750 affect you and your community? What will our tax system look like after the bill passes?
First and foremost, tax reform is everyone’s issue. From middle income families to school district superintendents, HB/SB 750 and the type of structural reform it provides will affect all Illinoisans. That’s why understanding the facts - and misconceptions - about HB/SB 750 is critical.
FACT: HB/SB 750 will not create a greater tax burden on middle income families—the bill is specifically designed to bring tax fairness to Illinois.
FACT: Through HB/SB 750, school districts maintain access to their property tax base.
FACT: HB/SB 750 addresses real education reform and accountability.
For more information on HB/SB750, see the resources available at www.ctbaonline.org.
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TWO REPORTS BY THE WOODSTOCK INSTITUTE |
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“The popularity of these complicated and risky products combined with loose mortgage underwriting standards that often include no documentation of borrow income have driven foreclosure rates to record highs” Geoff Smith, Woodstock Institute |
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RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MORTGAGE LENDING; CHICAGO FORECLOSURE RATES SKYROCKET In March 2007, the Woodstock Institute released two new reports. Paying for the American Dream: A Multi-State Analysis of Higher Cost Home Purchase Lending is the product of a collaborative project that examines the cost of borrowing in six metropolitan areas—New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, NC, and Rochester, NY. The study shows that large disparities in the pricing of home purchase loans continue to affect African American and Latino borrowers. According to the study
To view this report in its entirety, please follow the link. Note: this is a large .pdf file. A new analysis of 2006 foreclosure data by the Woodstock Institute shows that foreclosure filings have skyrocketed in the Chicago region. According to the analysis, the rising popularity of a variety of risky adjustable rate mortgage products, which allow borrowers to have low initial monthly payments that reset to higher levels after several years, has brought about a massive increase in the number of foreclosures. There were nearly 29,000 foreclosures in the region in 2006 - the highest level of foreclosures in eight years. By neighborhood, the south and west sides of the city had the highest levels of foreclosures per mortgageable property. South suburban Cook County had nearly 34 foreclosures per 1,000 mortgageable properties, or 2.5 times higher than the regional average. The Woodstock Institute is a local organization with national and international ties. Focused on economic justice and development for low-income and minority communities, the Institute conducts research and promotes policy to affect positive change for underserved populations.
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REPORT: LOW-WAGE WORK IN ILLINOIS |
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POOR JOB QUALITY LEADS TO INCREASED RELIANCE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Last September, the Weekly Review highlighted a report released by the Center for Urban Economic Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago entitled, The Hidden Public Cost of Low-Wage Work in Illinois. The report is filled with a lot of good information and, since the Weekly Review's readership base has significantly grown in the last several months, we thought it would be useful to spotlight the findings from the study again.
According to the report, the low-wage jobs created in Illinois since the state's economic recession do not pay enough money to support working families. As a result, more and more families are turning to public support to make ends meet. This increased reliance on state programs for year-round workers is putting a burden on Illinois taxpayers, hence the title of the report, The Hidden Public Cost of Low-Wage Work in Illinois.
The report details state expenditures for six programs (the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid, the Child Care Assistance Program, Food Stamps, KidCare and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) from 2001-2004. Among the findings:
These findings suggest that focusing on job quality as well as quantity in Illinois would be beneficial for all. Click here to view the full report.
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TRANSPORTATION |
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HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY - SHAPE TRANSIT DECISIONS IN YOUR AREA
Right now in the Northeast Region, you have the opportunity to shape transportation planning by participating in workshops that focus on the transit dependent (low income populations, seniors and individuals with disabilities). Workshops are scheduled for the following Counties: Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will. These workshops are structured to garner feedback from organizations that represent these populations, and a later session is also included in each area to solicit feedback directly from users.
There are two things for you to do: We recommend that nonprofits attend the stakeholder session in your County, and second, notify your clients of the opportunity to attend the open house. See the full schedule.
The Regional Transportation Authority is hosting these meetings as a part of their project known as Connecting Communities through Coordination. For more information about this project, take a look at their website. Other regions of the state will also conduct an HSTP this year. (We will provide information on this process and dates for the public participation aspect shortly.)
Slowly, over time, there has been a growing recognition among policy makers that transit dependent populations do not have adequate transportation options to get to work and to other work related responsibilities not to mention go to the doctor or run daily errands, essentially do the things we need to do for our lives.
Finally, all states, as well as urban and rural areas must develop a plan to address gaps in transportation for these transit dependent populations. Known as the Human Service Transportation Plan, once completed, this plan will guide the use of federal transportation funding that comes to Illinois annually in a block grant (or formularized levels) for these populations and includes Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316), New Freedoms (Section 5317) and the van program for senior populations (Section 5310). The plan (or HSTP) will also help to improve the coordination of all the different forms of transportation for these populations.
For more information on the HSTP process in your area, contact:
In the Northeast Region For outside the Chicago Metro Region Jay Ciavarella Erica Interrante CiavarellaJ@RTACHICAGO.ORG Erica.Interrante@illinois.gov (312) 913-3252 (312) 793-3532
For background information on transportation planning and spending sources mentioned here, see:
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OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION |
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TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FUNDING, EMPLOYMENT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH The Workforce Alliance is seeking support for the restoration of WIA funding. President Bush’s FY 2008 budget cuts Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Employment Services (ES) funding by nearly $1 billion compared to FY2005 enacted funding. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter regarding FY08 appropriations for WIA and ES programs, seeking a restoration of funding to FY05 levels. While WIA advocates would like to see funding levels restored to FY02 levels, given current budget constraints and recent proposed WIA funding cuts, restoring funding to FY05 levels is an important first step in the right direction. If you would like to show your support, it is suggested you contact your Senators by the morning of Thursday, April 12th and ask them to sign the Cantwell-Collins letter. If you prefer, you can call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or click here to look up your Senator’s phone number and you can call their offices directly, and ask them to sign on. Help Create Transitional Job programs “Nearly 40 percent of Illinois' homeless youth surveyed reported that they needed help finding a job and did not receive it.” Transitional Jobs programs offer a practical approach that gives youth paid work experiences over a short period of time to develop the skills and receive supportive services to assist then in gaining employment. Transitional Jobs program participants are more likely to stay employed, and at higher wages, than those involved in traditional employment programs that do not include a paid job. Advocates are asking that you contact your state senator and representative by April 14th and ask them to support a $2 million appropriation in this year's state budget to fund Transitional Jobs pilot programs for homeless youth. Click here to send a letter to your legislator and to find out more information on the campaign for Transitional Job programs.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TODAY |
WHAT? After School Matters Showcase - an arts and music showcase of CPS students WHEN? Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 5:00 PM WHERE? Chicago Theatre, 175 North State Street, Chicago, For more information and to RSVP, contact Marcy at (312) 642-6644.
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? A "Skills Gap" Community Forum WHEN? Friday, April 13, 2007, 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM WHERE? Prisco Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora For more information and to RSVP, click here.
WHAT? A Budget on the Brink WHEN? Monday, April 16, 2007, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE? Springfield Hilton Hotel, 700 E. Adams St., Springfield Illinois is headed toward financial implosion. To register, call the SIU Division of Continuing Education at (618) 536-7751 or register online.
WHAT? Urban Renewal in Chicago: A Screening and Panel Discussion WHEN? Monday, April 16, 2007, 6:30 PM WHERE? Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, 1060 E. 47th St., Chicago
In 1996, the City of Chicago
started the demolition of public housing projects, prompting the dislocation
of the people who lived there. These acts of "urban renewal" have occurred
on the South Side in the name of revitalizing communities in social and
economic decline. This screening of the film “DisLocation” (2005), which
vividly documents the forced removal of residents of the Robert Taylor
Homes, and panel discussion will address the effects of urban renewal on the
South Side as well as the activism that urban renewal prompted. For more
information, call (773) 285-1211. WHAT? Information Session for the Joyce Foundation Shifting Gears Initiative WHEN? Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM WHERE? Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Bloomington-Normal, 1715 Parkway Plaza, Normal, IL Click here for more information.
WHAT? Housing Action Illinois' 2007 Annual Convention (workshops, celebration, and rally) WHEN? April 17-18, 2007 WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL Click here to register and view the flyer. Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.
WHAT? Early Childhood Lobby Day WHEN? Thursday, April 19, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM WHERE? Springfield Join the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Healthy Families Illinois for an Early Childhood Lobby Day. Background materials, training, a box lunch, and transportation from Chicago to Springfield will be provided. For more information, contact Rashanda Perryman at 312-922-3863 ext. 3353.
WHAT? Moving from Poverty to Opportunity: Dewitt, Piatt, Macon, Shelby, Christian Forum WHEN? Wednesday, April 21, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM WHERE? Warner Library-Revere Room, 310 N. Quincy Avenue, Clinton, IL For information, click here.
WHAT? State of the State Luncheon -- "Financing Illinois’ Future - Building a Solid Framework" WHEN? Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 11:30 AM WHERE? Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago Click here to register and for more information.
WHAT? Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing WHEN? Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? James R. Thompson Center , Room 9-040, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago Click here to view a flyer.
WHAT? Protestants for the Common Good Lobby Day WHEN? Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE?
First Christian Church, 700 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Moving From Poverty to Opportunity: Madison County Action Forum WHEN? Saturday, April 28, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM WHERE? Location to be determined For more information, contact Doug Schenkelberg, Associate Director of Policy Mid-America Institute on Poverty of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, at 773.728.5960 x6284.
WHAT? What Works for Today's Families? And What Doesn't?: A Decade of Research, Practice, and Dialogue WHEN? May 4-5, 2007 WHERE? University of Chicago, International House, 1414 East 59th Street, Chicago For more information, click here.
WHAT? Illinois Asset Building Group member meeting, media training, and Capitol visits in support of children's saving account task force (SB388/HB1662) WHEN? Wednesday, May 9, 2007 WHERE? Springfield For more information or to RSVP, contact Meg Dunne at 312.263.3830x 246 or megdunne@povertylaw.org.
WHAT? Financing Development: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? May 15-16, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
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.
WHAT? Construction Management: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? June 5-6, 2007
WHERE?
Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center/President Abraham Lincoln
Museum, Springfield
WHAT? Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? September 11-12, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Property and Asset Management: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? October 16-17, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Affordable Housing Month WHEN? November 1-30, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
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any questions on information contained in this Weekly Review, |
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