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 1: Ensure Illinois is Best in Nation for Raising Families
Strategies:
- Ensure Access to High Quality Early Childhood Services, Including Early Intervention, Home Visiting and Affordable Childcare
- Find a Method to Replicate the Federal Child Tax Credit for Families Raising Children
- Expand Access to Free and Reduced Price School Meals
- Increase Participation in WIC by Improving Accessibility for Those Who are Eligible
Subcommittee members:
| Appointment |
Name |
Affiliation |
| Chairperson |
Sophie Milam |
Vice-President of Policy and Advocacy, Greater Chicago Food Depository |
| Commission Member |
Audra Wilson |
President and CEO Shriver Center on Poverty Law |
| Commission Member |
Representative Jeff Keicher |
Illinois State Representative |
| Commission Member |
Senator Kimberly Lightford |
Illinois State Senator |
| Commission Member |
Annie Hewitt |
Office of Senator Neil Anderson |
| Commission Member |
Rev. Dwight Ford |
Executive Director, Project NOW |
| IWGP Member |
Tyler Bohannon |
Bureau Chief, Legislative Affairs, Illinois Department of Agriculture |
| IWGP Member |
Jennifer Saba |
Chief Education Officer - Operations, Illinois State Board of Education |
| Public member/IDHS SME |
Lisa Cohen |
Program Manager, Division of Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery |
| Public member/IDHS SME |
Stephanie Bess |
Associate Director, Office of Family Wellness, Division of Family and Community Services |
| Public member/IDHS SME |
Patricia Rooney |
Associate Director of Child Care, Division of Early Childhood |
Meetings:
