Pillar 3: Ensure Just and Equitable Access to Economic Security Programs

The Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security has developed strategies, as outlined in the Strategic Plan and are organized under five action pillars, to improve the economic mobility of those living in deep poverty. The pillars and associated strategies emphasize a "multi-generational" approach to poverty, addressing the needs of grandparents, parents, children, and single adults to improve long-term outcomes for all.

The Commission recognizes that the Strategic Plan is not static and will continue to be informed by the efforts of government partners, community-based organizations, businesses, and philanthropy. To that end, the Commission continues to engage stakeholders in those regions of the State that are most impacted by deep poverty, to ensure strategies and solutions meet the varied needs of our diverse State. Thus, the Commission has launched working committees, made up of Commission members, members of the Interagency Working Group and outside stakeholders, to drive strategic initiatives under each of the five strategic pillars.

Pillar 3: Ensure Just and Equitable Access to Economic Security Programs

Strategies:

  1. Create a Single, Accessible Platform for Individuals to Enroll in All State Benefits
  2. Increase Uptake, Access, and Value of Existing Public Benefits for Those in Extreme Poverty
  3. Deploy Direct Cash Assistance Programs to Lift Families Out of Deep Poverty

Subcommittee members:

Appointment Member Affiliation
Chair Sophie Milam VP of Policy and Advocacy, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Commission Member Senator Kimberly Lightford Illinois State Senator
Commission Member Audra Wilson President and CEO Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Commission Member Rev. Dwight Ford Executive Director, Project NOW
IWGP Member Marc Staley Deputy Director, Illinois Governor's Office of Management and Budget
IWGP Invited Member Dana Kelly Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
IWGP Invited Member Carrie Thomas Deputy Director, Business Services, Illinois Department of Employment Security
Public Member Erion Malasi Director of Policy & Advocacy, Economic Security for Illinois
Public Member Meredith Byers UniServ Director, Illinois Education Association
Public Member Misuzu Schexnider Program Director, Inclusive Economy Lab
Public Member Niya Kelly Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity and Transformation, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Public Member Meegan Durgan Adell Director, New America Chicago
Public Member Elizabeth Ojeda-Jimenez NEA Director, Illinois Education Association
Public Member Jeremy Rosen Director of Economic Justice, Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Public Member David Wortman Deputy Director, DCEO Office of Community Assistance
Public Member Donna Henry Assistant Program Manager, CSBG, DCEO Office of Community Assistance
Public Member/IDHS SME Leslie Cully Associate Director, Office of FCRCs, Division of Family and Community Services

Meetings