The Constitution of Illinois identifies the elimination of poverty as one of the fundamental goals of state government. This official commitment stands in stark contrast to the 24% increase in the number of Illinoisans living in poverty since 1999. Building a Pathway to Dignity and Work gives us the opportunity to reduce that percentage dramatically. more

Marked by words of passion and a spirit of civility, members of the House of Representatives passed SB1716—the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act. The bill also passed out of the Senate and will go on to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. PCG staff witnessed this historic vote and report on the proceedings. more

The 2010 November General Election will long be remembered as a nation-wide referendum on taxes. Illinois’ election, on the other hand, demonstrated that the tax issue was not a make-or-break factor in Illinois legislative races. You’ll find John Cameron’s analysis very interesting. more

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 coalition has been hard at work—building grassroots momentum in different parts of the state, holding educational forums open to the public and elected officials, getting media attention through op-eds and letters to the editor—all in an effort to expand the base of individuals pushing for reform and a responsible solution to our state’s fiscal crisis. 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

Back in May, I wrote about a bill that could be considered “the bit of good news” to come out of an all-around dismal legislative session. Well, three months later, we have the final good news – Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Safe Children Act (HB6462), taking a major step towards protecting juveniles who get caught up in the cycle of prostitution and sex trafficking. 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 most important thing to be said about the 2011 budget signed into law on July 1 is that it is not a budget at all: it is a cash juggling and expenditure exercise designed to keep the state solvent through the General Election on November 2. more