Your Voice Is Needed to End Poverty in Illinois

In Illinois today, 39 out of our 102 counties are currently on a state wide Poverty Warning or Poverty Watch alert. With poverty touching so many of us across the state the Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty and Heartland Alliance are looking to hear from YOU! If poverty has touched your life in some way your story can help shape key anti-poverty legislation.

The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty is holding two upcoming public hearings to listen to the public share both their personal stories related to poverty and their recommendations on policies the state should advance to cut extreme poverty. These hearings are specifically geared to make sure that the Commission’s work and recommendations are informed by the experiences of individuals living in poverty. Policy makers are listening – your voice can make all the difference.

The first hearing is being held in Rockford Illinois on Wednesday August 21st.  If you live near Rockford and have been personally affected by poverty you are encouraged to come out, share your story, and make a difference!

Rockford, IL – The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty

• When: Wednesday August 21st 2013
• Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Where: Zeke Giorgi Center – Auditorium, 200 S. Wyman  Rockford, Illinois 61101
• NOTE: Food will be served, transportation reimbursement for those who qualify – Questions contact Kim Drew kdrew@heartlandalliance.org / (312) 870-4948

The second hearing is being held in Chicago Illinois on Tuesday September 3rd.  Again, if you or someone you know lives in the Chicagoland area and has been impacted by poverty, you are encouraged to come out, share your story, and make a difference!

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty

• When:  Tuesday, September 3rd 2013
• Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• Where: Illinois Institute of Technology – McCormick Tribune Campus Center – Ballroom,  3301 S. State Street  Chicago, Illinois 60616
• NOTE: Refreshments will be served. Childcare will be provided upon request. Transportation reimbursement is available for qualifying individuals. Free parking available after 7pm in A4 Visitor lot (32nd and State) and D5 Visitor Lot (34th and State). Accessible via State St Bus, 35th St bus, Metra (35th Lou Jones Stop), Green Line – 35th / IIT, and Red Line- Sox 35th. Questions contact Kim Drew kdrew@heartlandalliance.org / (312) 870-4948

Please spread the word about these upcoming events and join us as we shape a better Illinois. If you are unable to attend but would still like to make an impact you can submit your comments and questions to Kim Drew (kdrew@heartlandalliance.org / (312) 870-4948) or post directly to the Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty website (http://www2.illinois.gov/poverty/Pages/default.aspx). Your voice, your opinion, and your story can make a positive change for millions of families living in poverty in this state.  Policy makers are listening – your voice can make all the difference.