OUR LEADERSHIP & DGTDO OFFICE SUPPORT |
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http://www.dgdemocrats.org/
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MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR - MARCH EDITION
By Kim Savage, DGTDO Chair
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I am so proud of our Democratic community! Despite one year of being on lockdown, we have continued to rally around Democratic candidates and causes. Your enthusiasm has reached people locally and across the country!
As you know, this year, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the composition in the Downers Grove Township government. We have only a few short weeks left until Election Day, but I hope many of you are still planning to request and mail in ballots or vote early in person starting on March 22. We need to get as many votes as possible “in the bank”, because we know that the Republicans will be out in full force on Election Day. We can’t afford to have one Democrat stay home!
This year, your generosity has allowed us to do more mailings to more people than ever before. The candidate slate signs will be here very soon. The outreach from our fundraising committee and our candidates has brought us close to our original goal. However, we need to continue raising money above and beyond our original plan, so we can do an additional mailing to people who have not yet voted. So, whatever you can give, will be much appreciated. The candidates have been working very hard to reach out to voters and it would be a shame if we fell a few votes short on Election Day. They have such passion and great ideas that will be lost if the Republican slate is elected. Don’t ever forget that the local Republican Party has been vocal about implementing policies that endanger our health and wellness during the pandemic (and they supported 45 to the bitter end).
Besides the great candidates on our slate, we can be proud of many local Democrats who have stepped up to run for non-partisan offices. We have several Precinct Committeepeople on the ballot. There are clues on our website about which candidates may support our Democratic values. There are also five races where our members and friends are running as write-in candidates, so if these races are on your ballot, please write them in:
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Village of Clarendon Hills Trustee, Allyson Russo
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Downers Grove Park District (full term), Sandra K. McDonnell
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Downers Grove Park District (2-year term), Bret Bender
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Indian Prairie Public Library District (2 year term), Sri Rao
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Village of Westmont Trustee, Amylee Hogan Simonovich
Now for my very important Consolidated Election Year announcement! Do NOT vote for a candidate based on sign color. Blue signs DO NOT mean the candidate is a Democrat. Many unsavory candidates, including the Republican Township slate, have blue signs. This is meant to trick Democrats into voting for them. Do not be fooled. (As a matter of fact, the Republican Township slate has hijacked the color scheme from the New Choice for Township mailings to create confusion among low information voters).
Thanks for all you do! Let’s elect Democrats!
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ONE MORE THING PLEASE . . .
By Kim Savage, DGTDO Chair
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One last request...
Please take a few minutes and give us some feedback on our mailings at the following link:
Again...
Thanks for all you do!
Let’s elect Democrats!
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Send checks to DGTDO, PO Box 785,
Downers Grove 60515
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SUPPORT DGTDO OFFICE AND HELP ELECT DEMOCRATS! |
We've done so much! Let's keep up the momentum! Please donate today to help elect Democrats in local government and to keep our office open.
While we are not meeting in person and doing less knocking on doors, our work continues. In addition to social media and email, we have been doing more outreach through the U.S. Mail. We must also continue to pay for our office rent and utilities.
If you are a monthly supporter, we appreciate your ongoing commitment to the organization. We also appreciate the annual checks that we have received from some of our special donors.
We hope that everyone will continue to donate to fund our work during this vital election year. Our priorities will be on voter outreach and engagement to help elect more Democrats here in DuPage County. Don't forget, in recent elections, we elected a majority on the County Board and the Forest Preserve Commission, a judge to the Circuit Court, county wide offices, and to the State Legislature. It is our job to help get voters to the polls and we welcome your support. Here are links to online donation opportunities:
Send checks to DGTDO, PO Box 785,
Downers Grove 60515
Thank you for your continued support!
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PC CORNER - MARCH 2021.
By Chris Hotchkin
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Now is the time to get out the vote—encouraging and reminding our Democratic voters why these local elections are important! The best way to do that is through personal contact from you, their Democratic Precinct Committeeperson. You can communicate with them by your personal precinct letter which you can deliver to them in one of several ways:
- **Ring their doorbell, introduce yourself as their precinct committeeperson, and hand them a packet that includes your precinct letter, a sample ballot, and any campaign materials for your precinct that you wish to include. Ask them how they plan to vote in this election—Vote by Mail, Early Voting, or on Election Day April 6. **Most effective way
- Drop a packet of information, including your precinct letter, sample ballot, and campaign lit at their door. We have bags you can use that allow you to hang it on the doorknob and keep it dry.
- Mail an envelope to them that includes your precinct letter, a sample ballot, and a flyer for our township candidates. You will need to provide the postage.
You can get a list of your Democratic voters for your precinct from Sue Sitton (email at [email protected]) in our office and you should have been emailed a list from Paul Farber.
You can download a sample ballot from the DuPage County Elections website and fill out the sample ballot for your precinct noting which candidates we think share our democratic values (information available on our website.)
You can print your precinct letters and sample ballots in our office and pick up any campaign literature you want to include. There are also door-hanging bags in our office you can use to distribute your materials.
Once this is done, you can follow up with any voters who asked for a Vote by Mail ballot to make sure they mail it back in time. A list of who has requested a Vote by Mail ballot and who Voted Early can be obtained from Sue.
This election on April 6 is not always on our voters’ radar, and the turnout is often abysmally low. It is a good idea to give them a last-minute reminder (the weekend before April 6) if they have not already Voted by Mail or by Early Voting. You can do this with a phone call (leave a message if they don’t answer) or a note at their door.
Other Activities:
- Volunteer to be a poll watcher on Election Day April 6. Look for more information from our Chair.
- Join the DGTDO phone bank or the Democratic Women phone bank to help get out the vote.
- Host a Zoom meeting, invite friends, neighbors, voters, and some of our local candidates.
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DGTDO OFFICE RESOURCE AVAILABLE. |
DGTDO Office resources are available for volunteers and PC. Here are some of them:
- Print and make copies of PC letters to voters and sample ballots
- Pick up candidate literature, yard signs, etc.
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Voter lists based on your needs - contact Sue Sitton at [email protected] if you need help
- Run and print voter lists
- Voter labels for mailings
Let us know what you need.
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DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF DuPAGE COUNTY PHONE BANK.
By Chris Hotchkin
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Join DWDC in supporting Democratic township candidates across DuPage County through participation in our Get Out the Vote phonebank campaign.
We will be making phone calls to Democratic women using Vote Builder. You can log on at your convenience from any location using the link below. You will use your existing Vote Builder Action ID (which is your email address), or if you do not have an Action ID you will be asked to create one. Please make as many calls as you can by March 20.
If you have any questions, please call or email Chris Hotchkin, 630-341-3104, [email protected]. Thank you for supporting DWDC and your local candidates in this action.
We will be leaving messages for voters who are not home, so most phone calls will have an effect.
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VOLUNTEER - WHAT CAN I DO? |
All help is appreciated and needed. Thank you for any contribution you can make:
- Donate time to candidates - see website dgdemocrats.org for list of candidates
- Make a donation to DGTDO and/or candidate campaigns
- Attend candidate fundraiser events
- Attend candidate townhalls and other informative events
- Adapt a precinct and drop candidate literature
- Be a community influencer - talk to your neighbors, friends and family - encourage them to vote for Dems
- Write postcards - watch for updates
- Display yards signs in your and your neighbors' yards
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ELECT DEMOCRATS! IT REALLY MATTERS!
By Carla Feinkind
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Back in 2014 McConnell and his GOP obstructed Obama's judicial choices ...even for the Supreme Court because Obama only had 2 years left to his term. Yet in 2020, McConnell RAMMED Trump's Federalist Society judges onto the courts even in the final days before the transfer of power. McConnell worked feverishly and the nation was silent.
Now, after 4 years of Trump's LIES and REFUSAL to act to protect and save Americans from HIS VIRUS, Americans are DESPERATE for help to feed their families, pay their rent and LIVE. Biden's COVID relief bill is popular with over 70% of Americans and even 50% of Republicans. But the GOP claimed it would explode the deficit. The GOP had no issues when under Trump TREMENDOUS tax cuts for their rich friends and corporations BLEW up the deficit by nearly $2 Trillion! In the end, Biden's popular bill passed without a single Republican willing to break ranks to vote FOR American families. Nationwide the Republican leadership's silence on that spectacle is SHOCKING. The only Republicans speaking out are ones who have left the party and office.
This is not just a Washington issue. Nationwide, Statewide and Locally Republicans stick together and act AGAINST the interests of American families. The GOP is feverishly working to pass voter suppression bills in 30 states! They KNOW they can't win elections unless they suppress the vote. This will turn back the clocks for a generation! How did this happen?
This April we have a chance to vote for local candidates who will stand up for us and our interests. There are MANY people on the ballot that most of us do not know. It would be easy to throw up our hands. After all, we are NOT one of those states passing laws to end our FREEDOMS. But EVERY ELECTION MATTERS. Go the Downers Grove Township Democratic website (dgdemocrats.org) and open up the link to Elections 2021 to see which candidates have our Democratic values. VOTE for them and ONLY them. Do NOT water down the impact of your vote. What happens locally is IMPORTANT!
What else? Talk with your friends about this GOP that is NOT our friend VS Biden's Democratic values. DONATE something, ANYTHING, to local Democrats and ...yes Democrats nationwide. That is how we won those Senate seats in Georgia...and other races that no one thought we could win. KEEP CALLING Congress 202 224-3121. Share that number with EVERYONE you know. Thank and encourage Democrats and DENOUNCE the anti-American-family GOP.
If we look away, we are walking a dangerous tightrope. GOP HATE, LIES, OBSTRUCTION, and MALICE must be defeated and buried. If not now, WHEN? If NOT you, WHO?
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2021 DG TOWNSHIP ELECTION -
MEET OUR CANDIATES
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Make a donation to support our
Township Candidate Slate:
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DOWNERS GROVE TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC SLATE. |
Our candidates are:
- Maryann Vazquez,Township Supervisor
- Mary Lemanski, Township Clerk
- Tom Chlystek,Township Highway Commissioner
- Gail Cabala-Lowry, Township Trustee
- Gerry Kirschbaum, Township Trustee
- Janet Winningham, Township Trustee
- Bonnie Wayman Dodd, Township Trustee
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DG TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC SLATE - SOCIAL MEDIA.
By Mary Lemanski
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The township slate's campaign launched their social media and website this week. Please follow to show your support and share with your fellow Democratic voters in Downers Grove Township.
Find out more about the township slate at
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2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION |
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http://www.dgdemocrats.org/
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MUNICIPAL, SCHOOL BOARD, LIBRARY BOARD, PARK DISTRICT OFFICES. |
Check out the DGTDO Website for current list of candidates for Village/City Boards, Library Boards, Park District Boards, Fire Districts and School Boards.
Candidates who we feel support our democratic values are identified.
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DuPage Election Commission
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VOTE BY MAIL AND KEY DATES FOR 2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION. |
Notes on Why to Vote By Mail (VBM)
- Before COVID19, VBM was already available to all Illinois Residents. VBM has a proven track record and process.
- Both Republican and Democratic Election Judges are ALWAYS present during all phases of processing Vote by Mail Ballots (Postmark Check, Signature Check, Feeding the Ballot through the Machine, etc.…).
- Vote By Mail provides a paper trail that can always be verified/audited.
- Vote By Mail is an excellent option to keep both your health and vote safe.
Request Vote By Mail Immediately
Other Important Dates
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2/7 - Last Day To Register Online - Register Here: ova.elections.il.gov
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2/25 - VBM Ballots start to be mailed out to those who applied
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2/25 - Early Voting Starts at the Election Division (DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd, Building 5, Wheaton)
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3/22 - Countywide Early Voting Starts (early voting locations and times)
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4/1 - Last Day to Apply to VBM (we suggest doing it by 3/15)
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4/6 - Last Day for In Person Registration (at Election Division or Polling Location)
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4/6 - Election Day
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DuPage Election Commission
Early Voting Locations & Hours
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Voting hours vary. For updates and hours, go to:
In-Person Early Voting - Paper Ballots (February 25 to April 5)
- DuPage Election Authority, DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd, Wheaton, Building 5
Temporary Early Voting Locations – Touchscreen Voting
(March 22 to April 3)
Permanent Early Voting Locations -Touchscreen Voting
(March 22 to April 5)
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SUPPORT DG TOWNSHIP BUSINESSES |
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NEW - FREE ADVERTISING - DEMOCRATIC DIRECTORY.
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DIRECTORY OF DEMOCRATIC-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
DGTDO is compiling this list of "Democratic Friendly" businesses in DuPage County, and we are asking for your help!
YOU CAN:
- Advertise your professional service, trade, specialty, or retail business at no charge.
- Share your recommendations of your favorite business or professional that supports democratic values.
During this difficult time, we continue to encourage everyone to support their local businesses, especially our members’ Democratic owned businesses.
If you know of businesses that support our democratic values and should be included in the directory, fill out this form
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MORE EVENTS AND RESOURCES |
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WE THE PEOPLE CONSTITUTION DISCUSSION GROUP (Virtual)
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TOPIC: To be announced
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Tuesday, April 13
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
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PEACE! TOASTMASTERS
1ST FRIDAY 6:30-8:30PM
3RD SUNDAY 3:00-5:00pm
DUPAGE DEMOCRATS OFFICE
CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY
- Improve your impromptu speaking
- Learn to articulate your message clearly
- Learn to use feedback to improve performance
- Try out new ideas
- Vent with like-minded people
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Candidate information for the 2021 Consolidated Election (April 6, 2021) has been updated with all candidates running for office. Those candidates who appear to support our democratic values are identified ( link).
On the Home Page, scroll down to see a list of events that that will take place in our DGTDO Office. Upcoming events that may be of interest are updated regularly on the website. If there is an event you would like added, let us know.
Our goal is to make the website more useful to everyone including voters, precinct committeemen, and people looking to get involved in our democratic efforts.
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THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO & WAYS TO HELP. |
Left Out – DuPage Area is a unique local Facebook group that serves as an informational clearinghouse for all Democratic leaning - progressive events occurring in and around DuPage County. It has over 2,700 followers.
Left Out DuPage is a great way to find events in the area. Also, if you have a progressive event, you can post it. On a weekly basis, Left-Out - DuPage Area searches Facebook for events hosted by local campaigns and grassroots organizations and reposts them to their followers. It is volunteer-run and has no affiliation with any organization or campaign.
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White House: (202) 456-1111
Click on GET INVOLVED in the blue header
Dept of Justice: (202) 353-1555
Congressional Switchboard for Both Houses: (202) 224-3121
Local offices if Washington office is busy:
Sen. Dick Durbin (312) 353-4952
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (312) 886-3506
Rep. Sean Casten 202-225-4561, 630-520-9450
Rep. Mike Quigley (773) 267-5926
Rep. Bill Foster (630) 585-7672
Rep. Marie Newman (773) 948-6223
NEED TO MAKE SURE THE GOP LEADERSHIP HEARS YOU?
State of IL: JB Pritzker:
(217) 782-0244
State Sen Suzy Glowiak
(217) 782-8148, Local TBD
Rep Deanne Mazzochi
(217) 782-1448, (630) 852-8633
State Sen John Curran
(630) 796-2623, (217) 82-9407
State Rep Jim Durkin
(217) 782-0494, (630) 325-2028
State Rep Anne Stava-Murray
(217) 782-6578 , 630-605-0595
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Contact the corporate media too!
ABC News: (212) 456-7777
CBS News: (212) 975-3247
NBC and MSNBC News (212) 664-4444
CNN (404) 827-1500
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DGTDO OFFICE HOURS:
March/ April 2021
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DGTDO Office
(PO Box 785)
908 Curtiss, Downers Grove
630-297-8600
Office Open with COVID Safety Guidelines. BE SAFE!!
Monday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Watch for extended hours during GOTV
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Upcoming Events and Key Election Dates
Types of events: DGTDO, Candidate, Education / Issues, “Be Active”, Organization Meeting
Updated March 16, 2021
Recurring Events
DGTDO Office (Virtual)
Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:00 am
DGTDO Office
*VIRTUAL Coffee and Chat
DGTDO Office Hours
Saturdays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
DGTDO Office (for dropping off and picking up materials)
908 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove
FEBRUARY 25 - VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS START TO BE MAILED
FEBRUARY 25 - EARLY VOTING BEGINS AT Du PAGE FAIRGROUNDS
FEBRUARY 25 – SAMPLE BALLOT AVAILABLE
REQUEST A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT (Began January 6)
https://www.dupageco.org/Election/VoteByMail/
MARCH 2021
March 17 (Wednesday), 12:00 to 1:30 pm
The Journey Ahead to True Gender Equality)
Virtual Meeting
March 18 (Thursday), 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Meeting #2: Meet 2021 Candidates (Townships)
Virtual Meeting
March 18 (Thursday), 7:00 to 8:15 pm
Community Meeting: Environmental Justice
Virtual Meeting
March 19 (Friday), 12:00 to 1:00 pm
ACLU Virtual Lunch: Fighting for a More Perfect Union (Stacy Abrams)
Virtual Meeting
March 21 (Sunday), 2:00 to 4:00 pm
ACE March Meeting: Panel Discussion on IL HB 3653 *Criminal Justice and Police Reform Bill)
Virtual Meeting
March 21 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
MARCH 22 - EARLY VOTING BEGINS AT EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS
March 23 (Tuesday), 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Midwest Democracy Reform Series: For the People Act
Virtual Meeting
March 24 (Wednesday), 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Virtual Meet & Greet in Support of Tom Chlystek
Virtual Meeting
March 27 (Saturday), 2:00 pm
Porch Concert, Meet & Greet with Pelloso, Gilmartin, Hose and Espinoza
(hosted by: )
Virtual Meeting
APRIL 2021
APRIL 6 – ELECTION DAY
April 2 (Friday), 6:00 to 9:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
April 7 (Wednesday), 7:00 to 8:00 pm
SCARCE – Challenges and Opportunities of Recycling
Virtual Meeting
Details to follow
April 13 (Tuesday), 6:30 to 8:00 pm
We the People Constitution Discussion Group
Virtual Meeting
Details to follow
April 14 (Wednesday), 7:30 to 9:00 pm
DGTDO Monthly Meeting (2nd Wednesday)
Virtual Meeting
April 18 (Sunday), 2:00 to 4:00 pm
ACE April Meeting: Earth Day and the Environment
Virtual Meeting
April 18 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
April 19 (Monday), 9:00 am
Illinois Advocacy Day
Virtual Meeting
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