Here are the logistics: Thursday, October 28th is the last day for early voting, absentee ballots must be postmarked by Monday, November 1st, and the polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2nd. Please vote—and urge others to do the same. more

The Put Illinois to Work program—funded through the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF)—is a win-win situation for low-income, out-of-work adults who have gotten jobs and for small businesses in which many of these jobs have been created. The ECF is set to expire on September 30, 2010 unless Congress votes to extend the program for another year. Time is running out, but it’s not too late! more

Thousands of 30-hours-per-week jobs for low-income parents will end on September 30, 2010 unless the Senate includes the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund in the tax extenders bill that will likely be considered after Congress’ August recess. There are indications of bipartisan support for the one-year extension of the TANF emergency fund, but—let’s be clear—the tax extenders bill is the last chance for this important benefit for families and for the Illinois economy. more

680,000 Illinoisans living in deep poverty, many of whom are children, will now have access to some much-needed income support and transitional services. They will be better able to pay for their living expenses—basics like utilities, rent, clothing, and transportation. more

The Illinois General Assembly is on schedule to adjourn by May 31, 2010. A report on the results of the spring legislative session will be sent out during the first week of June. Watch for it! more

Springfield is a place of considerable discussion, debate, and, yes, disagreement. Finding common ground is often difficult, and coming to an agreement is almost always a matter of considerable compromise. Yet, this past week there was clear agreement on one point: fifteen thousand people came to Springfield on April 21st. more

Rev. Currie maintains that what we do in this very difficult situation to care for the “least of these” has a direct bearing on our relationship with God and our capacity for Christian discipleship. more

Three bills — important to PCG’s Common Good Agenda — “made it out of committee” last week in Springfield and have been “reported favorably” to the Illinois House. Now the bills can be considered by all members of the House of Representatives. Each of these bills is likely to stimulate significant debate when called for a vote. Stay tuned! more

Popular wisdom in Illinois said that we would address the state’s fiscal and revenue crisis after the primary, but in this first week of the 2010 Spring Session of the General Assembly, it appears that the new message is “Not yet.” more

“What’s the most effective way to influence a legislator,” we asked a member of the General Assembly last summer. His response was quick and emphatic, “A visit is worth 100 letters!” more