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Economy
Quick Hit
by Ellyn Fortino
1:46pm
Thu Apr 11

New Report Explores The Political Impact Of Immigration Reform In Key States

As Congress works toward the final stages of an immigration reform plan, a new issue brief from the Center for American Progress explores how immigration and the growing Latino population could impact the future political landscape in key states.

Immigration issues among Latino voters were crucial in swinging the 2012 presidential election.

And the rapid growth and voting power of the Latino population also ensured key swing states such as Florida, Colorado and Nevada voted for the current Democratic president, according to the brief.

Key states such as Arizona and North Carolina are also reaching demographic tipping points that could shift the states reliably blue, said Philip Wolgin, senior policy analyst for immigration at the Center for American Progress.

“These are states that are becoming swing states in a way that I think nobody really envisioned would have happened in the past,” he said.

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Quick Hit
by Ashlee Rezin
4:39pm
Mon Apr 8

Schneider Launches Initiative To Support Small Businesses

Freshman lawmaker U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D, IL-10) met with constituents in Gurnee today in an effort to better understand the needs of small business owners in his district.

“If I’m going to represent the district, I have to understand what makes up the district” said Schneider, who has visited 17 small businesses since taking office earlier this year.

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Quick Hit
by Ashlee Rezin
2:58pm
Fri Apr 5

Security Officers Rally For Higher Wages On First Day Of Contract Negotiations (VIDEO)

Carrying signs that read “Good Jobs, Safe Chicago” and chanting about higher wages, security officers represented by the SEIU* Local 1 rallied at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago Thursday for a pay increase. 

Thursday was the first day of bargaining with the Building and Owners Management Association (BOMA) for a new union contract. The rally, attended by approximately 70 union members, was also in observation of the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assasination.

“Dr. King lived his life, and lost his life, for a just society,” said Michelle Jackson, a security officer of seven years at 550 W. Jackson Blvd., in downtown Chicago.

“We need to do our part and start with working together to create better jobs for our families and our neighborhoods.”

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Quick Hit
by Ellyn Fortino
6:59pm
Wed Apr 3

Duckworth, Seniors & Vendors Discuss Ways To Preserve Medicare & Social Security

Constituents in the 8th congressional district want Social Security and Medicare preserved, costs on prescription drugs lowered and promises made to veterans protected,  U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D, IL-8) said at a roundtable discussion held this morning at Elk Grove Village's Kenneth Young Center.

“I have never had a senior who was on Medicare or on Social Security come up to me and say, ‘Oh, please get rid of the program,’” Duckworth said to the 19 others at the table.

“I’ve never had a senior tell me, ‘You know what? I really want that $600 voucher.’ They tell me, ‘Do not privatize it.’” Read more »