In Matthew 15:21–28, a Canaanite woman seeks the healing of Jesus for her daughter, only to be rebuffed at her first request. She beseeches Jesus again. He reconsiders her request, heals the daughter, and she is made well. This Biblical narrative teaches us the need for persistence in seeking what we value – and what we think God values – most. more

Until last Friday, it appeared that — even in the midst of Illinois’ financial disaster — our state legislators would adjourn early. But despite their best efforts to “get out of town” and start campaigning for re-election, the Illinois House was unable to pass even an interim budget. This may have something to do with the 300,000 emails and over 5,000 calls they received, urging them not to vote for an irresponsible budget. In any case, we now have two more weeks on the legislative calendar to insist that they act responsibly. Laura Dean Friedrich and Courtney Eccles of the PCG staff have been in Springfield almost every week for the past five months. The Common Good Network (CGN) asked them to describe the crisis, and what we must do in these next two weeks. more

It is reported that as the comedian W.C. Field lay on his death bed in a Philadelphia nursing home many years ago, a friend walked into his room and was surprised to find him reading the Bible. “Bill, what are you doing?” he asked. “Looking for loopholes,” Field exclaimed. That is exactly what the payday loan industry in Illinois did in 2005 more

Two years ago, if you had asked whether legalizing medical marijuana was high on my priority list for PCG, I would have smiled politely and said “no.” more

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” are the first words we hear in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The moral order of things is turned on its head, and unreality is abroad in the land. How better to describe what it feels like to be in our state capitol right now. more

Through this legislation, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create thousands of new jobs in the clean energy economy. PCG, and our environmental counterparts, are confident that we can be successful this session, but not without your support. more

How bad is the financial situation in Illinois? A knowledgeable source noted last week that the three national rating agencies have put Illinois on what is called “credit watch.” This means that within 90 days, if things don’t start looking better, our debt holders will start flooding the market with the bonds they now hold, and Illinois will no longer be able to borrow. more

Call me crazy! Last Sunday I should have joined family and friends at a Super Bowl party and gotten into the spirit of the game. Instead I spent the day reading the recent Supreme Court ruling that – when it comes to campaign finance reform – there is no distinction between people and corporations. more

As our national health care debate drags on with no clear end in sight, it is possible to take heart at meaningful reforms within Cook County government. more

Last week several PCG board members had the opportunity to discuss the state budget crisis with a colleague who – in addition to attending PCG Board meetings – also serves as the Illinois Secretary of Human Services. We asked her about the crisis. Her reply was haunting: “We feel like we are standing over a big hole.” more