Over our 50-year history, the Shriver Center has secured hundreds of law and policy victories with and for people living in poverty in Illinois. Building on these wins and our comprehensive view of poverty, we connect and train lawyers, community leaders, and activists nationwide to advance opportunity — for all, not just some.
Many individuals living in poverty are working more than one job, yet still struggle to make ends meet. People employed in low-wage or part-time positions are caught in a cycle where their earnings fall short of covering basic needs like food, utilities, and rent. Their reality of juggling multiple jobs challenges the narrative that poverty is a result of personal shortcomings.
In the face of a deeply polarized nation, this election has brought profound emotions and urgent questions about how each of us is seen and valued. For many of us who identify as people of color, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or allies in the fight for justice, this moment can feel jarring. But it is also a call to action and an opportunity.
As difficult as that feels, ending poverty is ultimately a policy choice. We already know that measures like the child tax credit and progressive taxation can lift all boats. As we head toward Election Day, we must remember that when we center poverty in our politics, we all win.
The presidential elections are less than a week away. The results could affect everything from reproductive rights and the state of democracy to the programs and policies that support people experiencing poverty. The Shriver Center on Poverty Law spoke with a number of our advocates about how — or whether — the outcome of the 2024 elections will shape their work.
According to the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, $88 billion in unpaid medical bills are in the hands of debt collectors. That’s more than any other type of personal debt. One unexpected procedure or sudden loss of employment can have devastating financial consequences for families and individuals in need of health care.
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid approved the state’s application to use Medicaid funds for assistance with nutrition, housing, violence reduction and prevention, and transitions out of incarceration. It makes Illinois the first state to tackle such a broad range of social factors through Medicaid.
Crime-free nuisance ordinances (CFNOs) are municipal laws and policies that single out properties where alleged nuisances occur. These activities can be noise disturbances or emergency service calls. CFNOs hold tenants responsible through fines and evictions, among other penalties. This puts domestic violence victims and people with disabilities at risk, who often seek emergency services and police assistance.
People with low income are particularly vulnerable to systems that criminalize poverty. Fines and fees like speeding tickets, city sticker fees, and court costs create financial burdens and trap individuals in cycles of hardship.
All families deserve to live in dignity and see their children thrive. A coalition that includes the Shriver Center on Poverty Law won a major victory for Illinois families this legislative session with passage of the state’s first-ever child tax credit.
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Now more than ever, your investment is crucial for changing rules that change lives. To build a future free from racism and poverty, join our movement today.
