Friday, February 14, 2014

Democrats Old and New! Room for everyone in the DuPage Democratic Party

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXTENDED THROUGH MIDNIGHT TONIGHT 2-14!

At this year's DPDC Presidents' Day Gala, you will get a real feel for the full history of this organization as we honor pathfinders like Tinker Harvey, Bill Redmond, Elaine Libovicz, Jane Spirgel, Jim and Mary Eleanor Wall. You will also have the opportunity to honor the newest inductee into the lineage of recipients of the Tinker Harvey Pioneer Award. (You can still donate to Tinker's Memorial Signature for the ad booklet page here. Proceeds given to Juvenile Diabetes in her name.)

At the same time, we welcome into our party hosts of new Democrats who have:

*just arrived in DuPage from more liberal places and bring their Democratic expectations to their       new neighborhoods

*who had been marginalized culturally but now feel included,

*who were previously nominal Republicans but now see our party shares their values more closely

Let's ask these new Democrats to keep risking and to step up to the table to broaden our coalition. Let's keep talking about what we value and why that is what will make out county and country healthy, wealthy and wise.



Thursday, February 13, 2014

A short break for a little satire; Christie on Bush

In many of his recent speeches, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has tried to downplay partisanship. Yesterday’s remarks in Chicago were clearly the exception.
Christie delivered an “unexpectedly blistering broadside” condemning Democrats for all kinds of things, including prioritizing economic inequality. It was also fascinating to hear the New Jersey governor mock President Obama for entering office without “a respect for the other party.”
It’s an odd line of criticism – when Obama became president, he created a bipartisan cabinet and worked furiously to generate bipartisan support for his proposals in the midst of multiple crises. Christie aides, meanwhile, famously ridiculed “the children of Buono voters” stuck in paralyzing traffic imposed by Team Christie for political reasons. It may not be the ideal time for the governor to emphasize who has greater “respect for the other party.”
But then, there was this. READ MORE

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Governor Quinn's Monthly Newsletter



Monthly Newsletter of the Office of the Governor (IL)
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Governor's Monthly Newsletter

This electronic newsletter is an opportunity for you to learn more about what we've accomplished in Illinois government, and how you can get involved. Whether it's volunteering in a Serve Illinois volunteer project, receiving state services, or learning about new laws and programs, I want to ensure that you know what's happening in your government.
If you have ideas for improving any State service, program, or this very newsletter, please click here and let us know.
Sincerely,

Pat Quinn
Governor

Featured Articles

Governor Quinn Delivers 2014 State of the State Address


Exactly five years after taking office during an unprecedented triple crisis of government corruption, economic collapse and financial instability, Governor Pat Quinn delivered his 2014 State of the State, laying out a five-year blueprint for jobs and economic growth in Illinois. The Governor's blueprint calls for creating more jobs, making early childhood education a top priority and building an economy that works for everyone -with specific measures to get the job done.

Emergency Actions Announced to Alleviate Heating Gas and Oil Emergency in Illinois

On January 28, Governor Pat Quinn announced emergency actions to alleviate the short supply and high prices of liquefied propane gas and heating oil in Illinois. The actions make it quicker and easier to transport these fuels from other states into Illinois. Governor Quinn has issued a disaster proclamation to allow Illinois licensed truck drivers to travel through other states to obtain these fuels and deliver them to Illinois without applying for additional licenses. In addition, the tax for out-of-state trucks that use Illinois roads is being temporarily suspended by the Illinois Department of Revenue for trucks that are delivering heating fuels to Illinois.

Governor Quinn, AT&T Announce 200 New Jobs Across Illinois


On January 31, Governor Pat Quinn joined AT&T Illinois to announce the communications company's plans to create about 200 new jobs across Illinois. The jobs include retail staff and technicians. The new jobs will be located in cities throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Libertyville, Champaign and Springfield. AT&T currently employs more than 14,000 workers in Illinois. Those interested in learning more about AT&T job opportunities or seeking to apply online can visit www.att.jobs.

Governor Quinn Continues Push to Raise Minimum Wage to At Least $10 an Hour


On January 19, Governor Quinn continued his drive to increase the minimum wage in Illinois to at least $10.00 an hour. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Governor Quinn stated at a church on Chicago's south side that an increased minimum wage is a key weapon in the "War on Poverty" along with the Earned Income Tax Credit and decent affordable healthcare for all.
In Illinois a fulltime minimum wage worker makes $16,600 a year which is below the $19,530 Federal Poverty Threshold for a family of three. 60% of minimum wage workers in Illinois are women and some 600,000 Illinois women would benefit from an increased minimum wage.

State to Appeal Federal Denial of Aid for Tornado-Impacted Local Governments

On January 9, Governor Pat Quinn announced the state will appeal the decision made by FEMA to deny the state's request for federal assistance to help local governments in Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne and Woodford counties from the deadly storms on November 17.
The more than $6.1 million in damage created by the tornadoes is short of the federal threshold for Illinois of $17.8 million, which is based on the state's population multiplied by $1.35. Governor Quinn stated that his administration will work to develop a strong appeal that demonstrates how much the assistance is needed in the areas affected by the tornadoes.

Governor Quinn Provides Statewide Update on Response to Historic Winter Storm

On January 6, Governor Pat Quinn was joined by key state emergency officials to provide a comprehensive update on the state's response to the historic winter storm and freeze. Governor Pat Quinn implemented the State's Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Plans (COOP/COG). This inter-agency plan ensured the continuation of delivery of critical state response services during the severe winter weather conditions, while ensuring the safety of the state's workforce.
The Governor also activated the Illinois National Guard to help emergency crews across the state provide assistance during the bitter cold and dangerous weather conditions, which included a hazardous combination of black ice and snow drifts.

More Than 100 Warming Centers Opened

On January 3, Governor Quinn opened more than 100 warming centers throughout the state to help Illinois residents cope with the bitterly cold temperatures this winter. The Governor urged residents to be cautious when going outside and to be aware of the serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold.
For more information on how to best handle the cold weather or to find a warming center near you, please call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit keepwarm.illinois.gov.

Governor Quinn, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Announce 200 New Jobs for Illinois


On January 14, Governor Pat Quinn joined EquiTrust Life Insurance Company to announce that the company will be opening new offices in Illinois that will create 200 jobs in the coming year and could potentially employ hundreds more in the coming years. EquiTrust will open their first Illinois office in Chicago.
For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, please visit Illinoisbiz.biz.
For additional information on Magic Johnson Enterprises or EquiTrust Life Insurance, please visit www.magicjohnson.com or www.equitrust.com.

Governor Quinn Celebrates Successful Startups at 1871


On January 14, Governor Pat Quinn joined Chicago's leading hub for digital startups, 1871, in honoring 26 alumni companies for their astonishing success and impact on Illinois' economy. Together they have created more than 300 new jobs and $10 million in revenue. 1871 has become an incredible resource for the technology industry in the Chicago area while at the same time creating jobs and growing the state's economy.

Governor Quinn Partners with Pizzas 4 Patriots, DHL to Provide Servicemembers with a Slice of Home


On January 22, Governor Pat Quinn for the second year joined leaders from DHL Express and Pizzas 4 Patriots to send 10,000 Chicago-style deep dish pizzas to troops overseas in time for the Super Bowl. Governor Quinn stated that Pizzas 4 Patriots is a great way to help honor the troops by giving them a small reminder of home. The pizzas will be delivered to troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Oman.

Governor Quinn Urges Working Families to Apply for Earned Income Tax Credit


On January 16, Governor Pat Quinn encouraged hard-working families across Illinois to apply for Illinois' Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year the credit helped more than 900,000 families receive $160 million in tax relief. In 2012 the Governor fought for and signed legislation that doubled the value of Illinois' EITC. For more information about the EITC, please visit EITC.Illinois.gov.

Governor Quinn Urges People Across Illinois to Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service


On January 18, Governor Pat Quinn joined the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging people across Illinois to take part in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 20. Governor Quinn believes that one of the best ways to honor Dr. King's legacy is by serving others. For more information on volunteering in Illinois, please visit: Serve.Illinois.gov.

State Expands Affordable Housing Options for Individuals and People with Disabilities in Oak Park

On January 23, on behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) representatives joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other public-private partners to celebrate the grand opening of Grove Apartments. Grove Apartments features 51 one-bedroom apartments for people earning 50 percent or less of the area median income (AMI), or $25,350 for individuals.
For additional information about Grove Apartments, please contact Interfaith Housing Development Corporation of Chicago (IHDC) at (312) 274-8200 or the Oak Park Housing Authority at (708) 386-6061.

Federal Grants to Help IL Homeowners Afford Critical Repairs

On January 21, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced a new round of $6.1 million in federal funds to help low-income homeowners, including seniors and persons with disabilities, afford the necessary repairs to stay in their homes. The Single-Family Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (SFOOR) program will ensure that 148 homeowners can keep up with necessary but costly repairs and will keep communities strong by stabilizing neighborhoods and creating local economic activity. The grant money will be available to homebuyers in May of this year.
For more information about the program, please visit www.ihda.org.

Illinois Farmers Leading in 2013

On January 12, Governor Pat Quinn saluted Illinois's grain farmers for a highly successful 2013 crop production. Illinois led the nation in harvesting soybeans at 462 million bushels, 51 million higher than any other state and 20% higher than 2012. Corn production rose 63% compared to 2012, with more than 2.10 billion bushels harvested, the third largest in state history.

IDOT Uses Social Media to Share Critical Safe Driving Messages


During the polar vortex earlier this month, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) used social media to get the word out about the dangerous conditions. Safety is IDOT's number one priority. It is critical to its mission to spread safe driving messages and alerts as quickly as possible when inclement weather strikes, to ensure the motoring public is informed.In addition to Facebook, IDOT uses other social media networks including Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube to help get the word out about winter weather and IDOT programs and initiatives. IDOT also has a free email service called "IDOT in Motion" which lets you select the IDOT news updates you want to receive.
Visit IDOT on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisDepartmentofTransportation
Visit IDOT on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/IDOT_Illinois
Visit IDOT on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/illinois-department-of-transportation
Visit IDOT on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/idot_illinois
Visit IDOT on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/IllinoisDOT
Subscribe to IDOT in Motion:
http://conta.cc/xz08pZ


Copyright © 2013 State of Illinois


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Monday, February 10, 2014

Special Gala Tribute to Kathryn "Tinker" Harvey. Early Bird Deadline extended.

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 A LEGACY OF TRUE LEADERSHIP

Please join us to celebrate the life and leadership of Democratic Pioneer Tinker Harvey at this year's Gala. If you would like to honor her on our specialty signature page in the Gala Program, please go here (Proceeds for this page will go to Juvenile Diabetes and the donation will be given in Tinker's name).

Carlisle Banquets
Saturday February 22nd, 2014
435 E Butterfield Rd
Lombard IL (MAP)
Vested Members-Only (and Paid Guests) Pre-Gala Reception starts at 5:00 pm
Registration and Cocktails 5:30-6:30 pm
Dinner and Program 6:30-9 pm


Due to the glitch on ActBlue this weekend, the Early Registration Deadline has been extended to: 
Want to buy tickets or ad space:

Would you like a 30% discount on your ticket?

If you are a PC, raise the HEAT on our thermometer by making your membership pledge here!

THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!
Any questions: write to info@dupagedemocrats.com

 

Paid for by the Democratic Party of DuPage County.
A copy of our report(s) filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections and DuPage County Clerk is available (or will be) for purchase from the DuPage County Clerk's office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
This email was sent to dstafford1.800lbdonkey@blogger.com by info@dupagedemocrats.com |  
Democratic Party of DuPage County 630-629-1125 | 1000-7 Rohlwing Rd | Lombard | IL | 60148

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Show you Support the Fair Tax Amendment by showing up in Wheaton on Tuesday morning.

Help Needed on Tuesday - DuPage County Board to Vote to Oppose Fair Tax Amendment

The DuPage County Board is set to vote to oppose a Fair Tax Amendment for the Illinois Constitution on Tuesday, Feb. 11. A resolution was passed by the Economic Development Committee on Feb. 4 to oppose this amendment. The Legislative Committee will vote on it at their meeting and send its resolution on to the full board. Come support our District 2 Member Liz Chaplin at the Legislative Committee and then all of the Democratic members at the County Board Meeting.
 A Better Illinois is planning a media event at 9:30am outside the 421 Building. Please join them for this important press conference.The campaign is looking for 25-30 people to stand behind small business owners, faith leaders, and teachers as they speak. They also need people to make public comments during the meeting as well.

If you are free or can afford to miss work, your presence will help send a strong message. If you have a relevant story to share or ideas about speakers or folks who you think would be good public comment people, please send them to Martin McAlpin,marty@abetterillinois.org, (708) 491-6568.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Honoring Labor and Thanks,ActBlue, for the Quick Fix. Links Up for Gala and PC challenge.

You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Democratic Party of DuPage County. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us.
 
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HONORING LABOR   
a special note from the Chair

 
The Theme of this year's Presidents' Day Gala is "Rebuilding the American Dream - Rebuilding the Middle Class" part of our Legacy of Leadership and Hope that has brought us here in 2014. Tied to that theme is the "Honoring Labor" portion of our program where we give special recognition to those who have, for decades, helped build the American dream and the middle class - those in the labor movement.

I am grateful to the many unions who have supported us in the past and presently. Many will be attending the Gala this year or have generously contributed to the DPDC. We are committed to electing candidates who recognize the importance of our labor unions which are responsible for improving the lives of so many people by fighting for decent working conditions and a better standard of living for all workers. 
 
My own union membership began when I was a 19 year old laborer in DuPage County. I became a teacher and formed a union in my school district when the school board president announced that he wanted to get rid of "dead weight" - a reference to massive teacher cutbacks. From 1989-2001, while a member of the American Federation of  Teachers, I was asked to conduct training programs for Poland's SolidarityUnion. In addition, I belonged to the Chicago Newspaper Guild and the Chicago Typographical Union. 

My father died on the factory floor where he worked for 44 years and my mother received his 2 weeks vacation money as her only compensation. I vowed I would not let that happen to others if I could help it. 

For this reason and many others, I am pleased to invite you our annual Gala to honor labor and to hear one of the strongest voices for labor, Bill Press. Ticket and ad purchasing information is back up and running and can be found below.

Many thanks,
Bob Peickert, Chair DPDC
JOIN OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BILL PRESS,  
as he honors our 40 year trajectory of leadership and hope

Lots of cool history you may not know 

 

The 1970's were heady days for the Democratic Party in DuPage County.

Democrats held four seats on the DuPage County Board as well as an occasional township office in the northeast corner of the county. And in 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter spent the night in DuPage, at the home of Elmhurst friend, Rev James Wall.  

 

Post- Watergate three Democrats joined a fourth, Donald Carroll, who had been elected in 1972 (and who defected to the dark side in Addison as you can read below). These three, all women, will be at the Gala this year to celebrate our 40 year trajectory of hope and leadership and we hope you will come to meet these the DuPage County Board class of 1974!  

 

These intrepid souls are Jane Spirgel (who served for 12 years and ran for Secretary of State!), Elaine Libovicz who served one term but has been constantly active in Elmhurst causes and government ever since and Mary Eleanor Wall who has been a guiding force behind a myriad of community projects: services for seniors, charities, land-use planning and women's issues.  

 

After Jane Spirgel left the County Board in 1986, it would be 14 long years before another Democrat, Linda Bourke Hilbert was elected but just for two years. During that time, our DuPage pioneers, people like Tinker Harvey, Jim Walsh, Bob Jeffers, Don and Helen Westlake and many others kept the organization afloat until the electoral map changed.  New, younger residents infiltrated Republican DuPage, we were blessed with an exciting hometown presidential primary and then, candidate, Barack Obama. Democrats were really WAKING UP with new energy following some heartbreakingly close local elections in 2006.  

 

HOPE HAD BEEN KEPT SMOLDERING SINCE 1974 AND, IN 2008, THE FIRE SPARKED AND BEGAN BURNING MORE BRIGHTLY THAN EVER! FORTY YEARS LATER, WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF BOTH OUR LEGACY AND OUR PERSISTENCE. 

 


Here are some historical articles that you might find interesting and which will illustrate how far we have come together!
Let's celebrate and VOW to keep moving forward. Your attendance at the Gala is your vote of confidence on what has happened since 2008!

1974
DuPage County Board has four Democrats!

1981
DuPage Democrat Bill Redmond retires after 2 decades in the Illinois General Assembly where he served as speaker of the house.

1986
1996
Article titled: "In DuPage, Democrats Find it's Politic to Switch" (Ironic now that our Republican friends are seeing the light and switching to the Blue Team!)


Saturday February 22nd, 2014
435 E Butterfield Rd
Lombard IL (MAP)
Registration and Cocktails 5:30-6:30 pm
Dinner and Program 6:30-9 pm


Want to buy tickets or ad space:

Would you like a 30% discount on your ticket?
Become a member (by Feb 10th)

Are you a Precinct Committee Representative? Please give your membership dollars here



  so we can track it in the PC Membership Challenge for 2014! THANKS

Any questions: write to info@dupagedemocrats.com

 

Paid for by the Democratic Party of DuPage County.
A copy of our report(s) filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections and DuPage County Clerk is available (or will be) for purchase from the DuPage County Clerk's office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
This email was sent to dstafford1.800lbdonkey@blogger.com by info@dupagedemocrats.com |  
Democratic Party of DuPage County 630-629-1125 | 1000-7 Rohlwing Rd | Lombard | IL | 60148

Friday, February 7, 2014

Another Plot Twist. Our ActBlue Account has Been Hacked. Instructions for workaround

You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Democratic Party of DuPage County. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us.
 
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
Sorry for any inconvenience this is causing. Our membership link appears to be untouched but the PC challenge and the Gala links are temporarily off line. Here is a link to the full Gala invite with prices for ads and tickets. You may send checks to DPDC PO BOX 185 Lombard, IL 60148. The Feb 10th Deadline will surely be extended due to this unforeseen "plot twist". Thanks for your patience as we wait for ActBlue  to rectify the situation! 
Have a great weekend and enjoy the historical links below!
Amy
 
 
Email Header
JOIN OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BILL PRESS,  
as he honors our 40 year trajectory of leadership and hope

Lots of cool history you may not know 

 

The 1970's were heady days for the Democratic Party in DuPage County.

Democrats held four seats on the DuPage County Board as well as an occasional township office in the northeast corner of the county. And in 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter spent the night in DuPage, at the home of Elmhurst friend, Rev James Wall.  

 

Post- Watergate three Democrats joined a fourth, Donald Carroll, who had been elected in 1972 (and who defected to the dark side in Addison as you can read below). These three, all women, will be at the Gala this year to celebrate our 40 year trajectory of hope and leadership and we hope you will come to meet these the DuPage County Board class of 1974!  

 

These intrepid souls are Jane Spirgel (who served for 12 years and ran for Secretary of State!), Elaine Libovicz who served one term but has been constantly active in Elmhurst causes and government ever since and Mary Eleanor Wall who has been a guiding force behind a myriad of community projects: services for seniors, charities, land-use planning and women's issues.  

 

After Jane Spirgel left the County Board in 1986, it would be 14 long years before another Democrat, Linda Bourke Hilbert was elected but just for two years. During that time, our DuPage pioneers, people like Tinker Harvey, Jim Walsh, Bob Jeffers, Don and Helen Westlake and many others kept the organization afloat until the electoral map changed.  New, younger residents infiltrated Republican DuPage, we were blessed with an exciting hometown presidential primary and then, candidate, Barack Obama. Democrats were really WAKING UP with new energy following some heartbreakingly close local elections in 2006.  

 

HOPE HAD BEEN KEPT SMOLDERING SINCE 1974 AND, IN 2008, THE FIRE SPARKED AND BEGAN BURNING MORE BRIGHTLY THAN EVER! FORTY YEARS LATER, WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF BOTH OUR LEGACY AND OUR PERSISTENCE. 

 


Here are some historical articles that you might find interesting and which will illustrate how far we have come together!
Let's celebrate and VOW to keep moving forward. Your attendance at the Gala is your vote of confidence on what has happened since 2008!

1974
DuPage County Board has four Democrats!

1981
DuPage Democrat Bill Redmond retires after 2 decades in the Illinois General Assembly where he served as speaker of the house.

1986
1996
Article titled: "In DuPage, Democrats Find it's Politic to Switch" (Ironic now that our Republican friends are seeing the light and switching to the Blue Team!)


Saturday February 22nd, 2014
435 E Butterfield Rd
Lombard IL (MAP)
Registration and Cocktails 5:30-6:30 pm
Dinner and Program 6:30-9 pm


Want to buy tickets or ad space:

Would you like a 30% discount on your ticket?
Become a member (by Feb 10th)

Are you a Precinct Committee Representative? Please give your membership dollars here



  so we can track it in the PC Membership Challenge for 2014! THANKS

Any questions: write to info@dupagedemocrats.com

Paid for by the Democratic Party of DuPage County.
A copy of our report(s) filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections and DuPage County Clerk is available (or will be) for purchase from the DuPage County Clerk's office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
This email was sent to dstafford1.800lbdonkey@blogger.com by info@dupagedemocrats.com |  
Democratic Party of DuPage County 630-629-1125 | 1000-7 Rohlwing Rd | Lombard | IL | 60148