Mayor 1% and Parting City Council Leave Behind a Legacy of Economic Segregation
On Wednesday, despite an outpouring of public opposition, Chicago City Council voted to approve two new megaTIF districts that will impact Chicago for decades to come. Grassroots Collaborative has worked for years to stop the abuses of the TIF program and helped lead a diverse coalition in opposition to the Lincoln Yards and the 78 […]
No Votes About Lincoln Yards and the 78 Until New Mayor and City Council Take Office
Grassroots Collaborative Statement on the Postponed Vote for Lincoln Yards and the 78 MegaTIFs CHICAGO – On Tuesday, responding to mounting pressure from a diverse coalition of community organizations, Aldermen, Aldermen-elect, and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot, Finance Committee Chairman Patrick O’Connor postponed the vote on the Lincoln Yards and 78 MegaTIFs. The following is a statement […]
Increased Spending on Police Will Not Make Us Safer – Investing in Neighborhoods Will
Grassroots Collaborative Statement on Proposed Increases to CPD Budget Chicago, IL – Grassroots Collaborative is a community labor coalition representing tens of thousands of Chicago residents who been hurt by the failed policies of the Emanuel administration. The following is a statement from Amisha Patel, Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative on Tuesday’s Committee on Budget […]
Grassroots Collaborative Statement on Jason Van Dyke Verdict
It is difficult to feel any real satisfaction at a murder being called a murder. For the communities that we represent it was never a question whether or not Jason Van Dyke murdered Laquan McDonald. The only question was whether or not our court system is capable of holding a white Chicago police officer accountable […]
Statement on Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Decision
CHICAGO – Grassroots Collaborative unites labor and community-based organizations representing tens of thousands of Illinois residents whose families and communities will be hurt by today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision. The following is a statement by Grassroots Collaborative Deputy Director, Abbie Illenberger. “Today’s ruling by Trump’s Supreme Court is the latest in a long series of […]
Following Trump’s Lead, Rauner Protects Wealthy Money Managers in Budget Address
On Wednesday, Governor Rauner delivered his fourth budget address which was long on rhetoric, but short on solutions. The following is a statement from Amisha Patel, Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative. “Today, Governor Rauner again failed to present a budget proposal that would lead Illinois towards stability and prosperity for all. Instead, he proposed that […]
llinois Must Pursue State Level Solutions to Counteract Failures in GOP Tax Bill
Grassroots Leaders and State Legislators Push to Close Carried Interest Loophole in Illinois Following Passage of GOP Tax Bill Chicago, IL – As Congress continues to pass legislation and policy that is out of line with the values of the American people, states and cities have jumped in to take action to protect their residents, […]
Grassroots Collaborative Response to Mayor Emanuel’s Budget Address
Chicago, IL – The following is a statement from Amisha Patel, Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative on Mayor Emanuel’s budget address. “Today’s budget address shows Mayor Emanuel’s continued commitment to policies that have failed Chicago’s families as he continues to prioritize the interests of city elites over those of working families. The Mayor has continued […]
Governor’s $15 Veto Will Hold Back Economy and Increase Economic Inequality in Illinois
Chicago, IL – On Friday, Governor Rauner vetoed SB 81, which would have gradually raised the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. Grassroots Collaborative is a labor-community coalition representing tens of thousands of Illinois low-income families whose lives and communities would have greatly benefited from the passage of SB 81. The following […]
Finally. Statement on Override of Governor Rauner’s Budget Veto
Chicago, IL – Today, the Illinois House joined the Senate in overriding Governor Rauner’s veto of the state budget giving the state its first budget in years. The following is a statement from Amisha Patel, Executive Director of Grassroots Collaborative. “Finally, state legislators have pushed aside Rauner’s obstructionism to pass a state budget. Community residents […]
Statement: Grassroots Collaborative Lauds House Passage of Fair Tax
by GRCAdminCHICAGO – On Tuesday, the Illinois House passed the Fair Tax Constitutional Amendment. The following is a statement by Grassroots Collaborative Executive Director Amisha Patel. “The passage of the Fair Tax Amendment in the House is great news for Illinois working families that have for far to long been burdened by the state’s outdated regressive […]
Illinois Dems Target Carried Interest Loophole
News LinkBy -Michael J. Bolognaby GRCAdmin
Legislation addressing the so-called “carried interest loophole” is gaining momentum in Illinois after the release of data finding the measure would generate $473 million for the cash-starved state. Grassroots Collaborative, a coalition of labor unions and human service organizations, April 19 touted passage of a new privilege tax on private equity firms, hedge funds and […]
As Obama exits scene, Chicago legacy debated
News LinkBy -Bill Ruthhart, Rick Pearson and John Byrneby GRCAdmin
But community organizer Amisha Patel said Obama too often tried to walk a fine line on such issues. “I think the president was afraid to be clear on an urban agenda. I don’t think he thought he had room to move on that, and so you get a really hands-off approach, these half-solutions,” Patel said. […]
Rahm Avoids Criticizing ‘Absentee Fathers’ In Anti-Violence Speech
News LinkBy -Ted Coxby GRCAdmin
CITY HALL — Mayor Rahm Emanuel had been expected to talk about the role of parenting in preventing violence in his big speech Thursday, but aldermen and activists cautioned him about the “myth” of the absentee African-American father. In the end, Emanuel seemed to sidestep the issue in his speech on Thursday, and mentioned the word “parenting” […]
Community Leaders Tackle Downward Spiral of Gun Violence in Chicago
News LinkBy - Michelle Gallardoby GRCAdmin
A staged funeral procession to Mount Sinai Hospital was one of several discussions that took place Tuesday to address the growing problem of gun violence in Chicago. “I lost a brother, sister, an uncle and two cousins to gun violence right here in this neighborhood,” said Rev. Robin Hood, Illinois Anti-Foreclosure Alliance There is no […]
Illinois faces further credit dings and interest rate swap crisis
News LinkBy -/ Tagged In - #TagTest Wall Street Accountability Wall Street Accountability News by GRCAdmin
Adding yet another blow to the moribund finances of Illinois, two major credit rating bureaus, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s, last week gave the midwestern state another financial downturn; this time to just two levels above junk status, in view of the continued lack of a budget and the growing gulf between Republican Gov. Bruce […]
Monday Marks Second Hearing On Illinois’ Controversial Interest Rate Swaps
News LinkBy -/ Tagged In - Wall Street Accountability by GRCAdmin
An Illinois House committee will hold a second subject matter hearing Monday morning in Chicago on the issue of interest rate swaps. City of Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers is among those expected to testify before the House Revenue and Finance Committee. Last month, Summers urged three Chicago employee pension funds to consider joining class action lawsuits against banks in an effort […]