LWV OPRF May 15 Week in Preview

Education Appropiations Hearing

There is an important education appropriation hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 16 at 9:00am. Bills to be discussed include HB 2792, $550 million for K-12 Evidence-Based Funding, and HB 2319, $717 million for early childhood, early intervention, and home visiting. Before and after the hearing, let your legislators know you support these two House Bills with additional funding as proposed by the Governor's Smart Start proposal: $75 million additional for the State Board of Education Early Childhood Block Grant; $200 million additional for Child Care Assistance, including a workforce compensation grant; $5 million additional for Home Visiting; and $50 million additional for Early Intervention. And let your legislators know that you oppose extension of the Invest in Kids school voucher program. To watch the hearing from home, go here. Please let Ann Courter know if you take the time to contact your legislators.

Helping Migrants in Chicago

Chicago has already been pushed to the max trying to find shelter for the waves of migrants who have arrived in recent weeks, said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Even more migrants are expected to come to the United States in the weeks ahead, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott writing in a letter to Lightfoot this week his state expects to see up to 13,000 migrants per day. “It’s an overwhelming situation,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President and CEO of nonprofit Instituto del Progresso Latino. “We’re gearing up, but the total level of preparedness needed is not there.” Yes, major immigration reform is required, but in the meantime, underwear, toothbrushes, and diapers are needed for those arriving in Chicago. Go here to see how you can help.

Democracy Needs You

The LWVIL gathers in June for the 61st Biennium Convention, and LWV OPRF needs delegates. The statewide convention will be held virtually June 10-11, and we need five additional delegates. Yes, it is two days on Zoom, but come on folks, participatory democracy doesn’t get much easier! There is no cost to participants, and registration closes Friday, May 19. Pease contact Jane Hastings to be a delegate ASAP.

Annual Meeting

 The annual meeting will be Thursday, June 8 from 6:00-8:00pm at Brookdale Senior Center, 1111 Ontario, Oak Park. Please join us for dinner, to learn about last year’s activities, and to vote in a new slate of officers and directors. Ravi Parakkat, Oak Park Trustee and Take Out 25 founder, will be the guest speaker and will discuss the role Take Out 25 had in helping the hospitality industry during the pandemic and its current and future role in our three communities. Reservations are required, so RSVP here. The business part of the evening needs a quorum to pass the budget, slate, and program, so please mark your calendars to attend.

Trailside Walk

The LWV Cook County Forest Preserve Interest Group is excited to offer walks in the woods.On June 28 from 10:00am to Noon, a guided walk will be offered at Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest.The walk is limited to 20 people and friends of League members are welcome. Further details will be provided when you register for the walk at this email.

Thanks to the members who visited the Good Earth Greenhouse to purchase $1,320 of plants and help LWV OPRF receive $198 in shared funds. We appreciate your participation!

LWV IL Virtual Convention June 10-11

LWV US May 4 Update

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Oak Park, IL 60303-3301
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