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

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.

Pillar 3 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 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 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 Ahlam Jbarra Chief of Staff, IDHS-Division of Family and Community Services
Public Member/IDHS-SME Leslie Cully Director, IDHS-Division of Family and Community Services

Meetings