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Commission on the Elimination of Poverty - Public Hearing

 

Date: Monday, March 8

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Place: Access Living, 115 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL

 

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Download the Spanish language flyer

 

The From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign is committed to making sure that the voice of those experiencing poverty are heard, and to that end have made sure there will be child care, food, and transportation cost reimbursement, thanks to the support of the Chicago Foundation for Women.

In addition, both Spanish and American Sign Language translation will be available.

Your voice is important. The Commission needs to hear from you, your neighbors, from those facing hardship. The strategy being created by the Commission cannot and should not happen in a vacuum. It must be grounded in the experiences of the residents of Illinois to make sure it is responding to their real needs.

Members of the Commission and its working committees, as well as area members of the legislature, will be in attendance to hear from those that come to testify.

For more information, e-mail the campaign

 

Frequently Asked Questions

During the 2008 Illinios legislative session, the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign advocated for the creation of the country's first commission on ending poverty consistent with international human rights standards. Through the engagement of Campaign members throughout Illinois, this legislation, championed by Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Urbana) and Representative Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), received unanimous approval by both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. In addition, over 70 members of both chambers added their names as co-sponsors of the legislation. This overwhelming support from a geographically diverse, bi-partisan body of legislators showed both the strength of the voices of individuals, communities, and organizations throughout the state and the growing political will to actively address poverty in Illinois.

• What is the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty?
• Who is on the Commission?
• Why is a Commission on the Elimination of Poverty important for Illinois?
• How does the Commission address poverty?
• When will the Commission convene?
• How will the plan be monitored?
• Where do I find the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty Act?

 

What is the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty?

The Commission on Poverty Elimination is an independent body in Illinois focused on eliminating poverty in our state based on international human rights standards. More specifically, the commission plays two basic interwoven roles:

• Create and monitor a specific, substantive, measurable strategic plan for cutting extreme poverty in half by 2015 in Illinois.
• Offer advice and comment on state matters that may positively or negatively impact the state's goal of ending poverty.

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Who is on the Commission?

The commission has 26 members, 5 representing elected offices and 20 representing the public. A current list of appointed members can be found on the State of Illinois' Boards and Commissions website. The following positions exist on the commission:

Elected Officials and their Representatives:

1 Senate Republican
1 Senate Democrat
1 House of Representatives Republican
1 House of Representatives Democrat
1 representative of the Governor's office

Public Members:

2 representatives from anti-poverty organizations, one of which that focuses on rural poverty
2 individuals that have experienced poverty
1 individual with a disability

1 representative each for organizations that advocate for:

people with disabilities
adequate, accessible health care
mental health
education
people experiencing hunger
immigrants
experiencing homelessness
women's economic security
children and youth
older adults
low- to middle-income workers
faith- based organization that provides social services
service-based human rights organization
townships
counties or municipalities

In addition, the following state agencies and commissions will be ex-officio members of the commission:

Human Services
Corrections
Healthcare and Family Services
Human Rights
Children and Family Services
Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State Superintendent of Education
Aging
Public Health
Employment Security
State Workforce Investment Act Board
African-American Family Commission
Latino Family Commission

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Why is a Commission on Poverty Elimination important for Illinois?

Illinois has one of the highest rates of poverty and extreme poverty in the region. In 2008, 680,000 people were living in extreme poverty. That is approximately $11,000 or less annually for a family of four. The preamble of the Constitution of the State of Illinois states that the elimination of poverty is one of the fundamental goals of our State government. Yet, the state of Illinois has no comprehensive strategy to address poverty.

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How does the Commission address poverty?

The Commission looks at poverty through a wide lens. The strategic plan will include specific recommendations that include timelines and indicators for measurable impact. The Commission will be required to address, at a minimum, all of the following issues.

• Access to safe, decent and affordable housing.
• Access to adequate food and nutrition.
• Access to affordable and quality healthcare.
• Equal access to quality education and training.
• Dependable and affordable transportation.
• Access to quality and affordable child care.
• Opportunities to engage in meaningful and sustainable work.
• The availability of adequate income supports.

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When will the Commission convene?

The first meeting of the Commission is slated for October 28, 2009.

The Commission will meet at least annually, with a seven-person steering committee meeting at least quarterly. In addition, the Commission will set up issue-focused committees to aid in its work. The Commission may hold up to four public hearings and must receive public comment to assist in planning the strategic plan. An interim report of the Commission's activities will be submitted by December 1, 2009. The strategic plan should be completed no later than April 1, 2010. 

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How will the plan be monitored?

The commission will issue annual reports on the progress of the strategic plan and will be required to hold at least one public hearing prior to the release of each annual report.

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Where do I find the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty Act?

The Commission on the Elimination of Poverty Act can be found in the Illinois Compiled Statues at 20 ILCS 4080.

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