NKC Occasional Update
News, Views and To-Dos
June 23, 2023
|
|
"Over the coming months, we face not merely a political contest, but a battle between those of us who believe in ideals, even though it can make us seem naïve at times, and those who argue that life is a remorseless struggle for selfish gain. Their victory would be a step toward cultural barbarism."
|
|
What Art Friedson Has On His Mind |
One of the great mysteries of life is how Joe Biden can be polling so low on favorable/unfavorable, and even more so, on his handling of the economy. Really? Are you kidding me?
Okay, I get that he’s old. We all wish he was a decade or two younger. But by any objective measure, the man has been one of the most effective presidents in recent history, especially when it comes to the economy. Probably the most effective president. In fact, when it comes to presidents, Joe Biden is the GOAT, Greatest Of All Time.
|
|
Let’s start with the big picture and work our way down. President Biden took office just as the Covid pandemic was ramping up. China was already shut down which caused major supply chain disruptions: factories we relied on for goods were closed, and the related shipping delays made it nearly impossible to get the few goods that were available.
At the same time, there were vaccines in development, but no plans for the kind of mass distribution that would be necessary for what turned out to be the series of shots that would be required to tamp down the spread of the virus.
|
|
U.S. Covid deaths
(Graphic from the C.D.C.)
|
|
Just three months into his term, as Covid deaths were reaching their first big spike in the U.S., the Biden Administration had already ramped up vaccine production and put a distribution plan in place that was flexible enough to be tweaked and evolve to meet impediments that surfaced.
Throughout it all, President Biden skillfully and adeptly worked with a polarized Congress to pass law after law to pump money into the economy in general, and directly into the hands of the Americans who needed it most. At the same time, he used every administrative maneuver possible to successfully get the kinks out of the supply chain.
The pandemic revealed a more serious problem for American industry: we had ceded control to foreign manufacturers. So again, President Biden finessed a series of measures through a challenging Congress that directly addressed the structural problems the pandemic exposed.
|
|
Private Investment in Manufacturing
(Graphic from the St. Louis Fed)
|
|
The billions of dollars that have been and will be spent on infrastructure, coupled with the massive investments in new manufacturing sites for batteries, solar cells, and semiconductors, have been matched by unprecedented foreign investment resulting in what Axios chief financial reporter Neil Irwin calls “a manufacturing supercyle.”
|
|
The industrial construction boom has already offset the decline in residential and commercial construction that were hit by rising interest rates. Longer term, they can be counted on to provide a steady flow of good-paying jobs that will go a long way towards building back the middle class that was decimated by Republican economic policies that sent jobs and production overseas.
While the Republican tax cuts drove income inequality, President Biden’s successes are driving an American revival. Current unemployment rates are lower than they were in the economic boom times of the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. While the unemployment rate for African Americans still lags, it has fallen from 16.8% in May, 2020, to just 4.7% now which is very close to an all-time low.
President Biden has also taken on the surge of hidden fees that have raised prices on airline and concert tickets, as well as “junk fees” for banking and credit cards. These are the hidden drivers that fuel inflation by increasing corporate profits, separate and apart from the macroeconomic drivers of inflation. It's like he has eliminated the Greed Tax.
|
|
It took this long to mention inflation, so let’s deal with it. Yes, when you pump a bunch of money into the economy, even for the best of reasons, you get inflation. It has happened everywhere in the world since the Covid crisis. But in the U.S., thanks to President Biden and The Fed, inflation has fallen for 11 straight months, from a peak of over 9% last summer to the current rate of 4%. At the same time, markets have returned to within 10% of their all-time record levels. Why, you may ask? Because (a) investors have confidence that the right actions are being taken; and (b), since markets usually project the economy six months out, they believe that we will stay on the right track.
|
|
Energy CPI
(Graphic from Axios)
|
|
The combination of falling inflation, decreasing unemployment, and record investment in manufacturing has been a boon to all Americans, not just the 1%. Income inequality has fallen thanks to tighter labor markets, greater transparency, and increased unionization.
The bulk of the benefits of the Biden Boom redounds to the poorest members of American society. They are the ones whose incomes -even with inflation- have increased the most on a proportional basis. They are the ones who are getting the high-speed internet connections they were denied in the past. They are the ones landing the jobs rebuilding infrastructure and manufacturing and they are the ones who will hold the jobs that come onstream after these facilities are built.
The policies of the Biden Administration are benefiting the very people who are least likely to support him in an election. How crazy is that?
Along the way, the Republican policies that drive income inequality and only benefit the rich are now completely debunked. They don’t work. They don’t create jobs and they don’t lift the poor. As hard as it is for even Establishment Republicans to admit it, their policies only benefit the rich, while Biden’s policies benefit everyone, rich and poor, rural and urban, blue and red.
All this, and we have only focused on the economy. How about resurrecting the State Department and reconstituting NATO just in time for the Russian invasion of Ukraine? How about getting a record number of federal judges ratified and seated? How about the fact that America is not at war with anyone? Can any of you recall a time when we could say that?
Our job -yours and mine- over the next 14 months is to spread the word about the unparalleled success of the Biden Administration and push pack hard every time we hear a discouraging word. Nobody has done this president thing like Joe Biden. He’s the GOAT. He may be an old goat, but he’s the GOAT and he deserves our unqualified support. The state of our nation quite literally depends on it.
Want to see POTUS in person? He will be in Chicago on Wednesday, June 28th. Contact Nancy Kohn, 312-925-8067 to learn about special pricing.
|
|
With Nancy Kohn
Swifties. Unless you are on a remote desert isle, you know someone who recently saw Taylor Swift perform. My 8-year-old granddaughter and her mother traveled from Brooklyn to Pittsburgh to see Taylor Swift and called the day after to gush about the music, the bracelets, and the outfits. By some estimates, Swift may be a billionaire by the end of this tour! The New Yorker review included this fun sentence. ". ..fans discuss Swift's concerts with a fervor reminiscent of the grizzled heads who analyze old Grateful Dead set lists."
Women of Note: Want to compliment a friend, mentor, or other successful woman in your world? Nominate them for Crain's list of Chicago Women of Note. Don't delay, the deadline is July 30th.
Black Bench Chicago: Kudos to Alexandra Sims and the team at Black Bench for launching a new political training program for African Americans who want to run for office. We know what a difference that can make - just look at the success of IWILTA. The organization is currently recruiting its first cohort. Learn more here.
Federal Judges: Congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, President Joe Biden, and all of the Democratic Senate on confirming the 100 district court judges, 35 circuit court judges, and one Supreme Court Justice to lifetime appointments on the federal bench since Biden took office. Read more here.
Observing one year of the Dobbs decision. On Friday, Secretary of HHS Xavier Becerra is going to commemorate the anniversary by visiting Planned Parenthood Clinics on both sides of the Illinois/Missouri border, according to Crain's. His visit will highlight the disparity of access to healthcare. I plan to observe the end of Roe by joining friends to prepare comfort kits containing a dozen or so essential items for women who visit Illinois Planned Parenthood clinics. I'll be making the kits on Tuesday, and we have room for more volunteers. If you'd like to join us, contact me. The DSCC just released a poll, confirming what we already know, abortion rights remain a relevant and salient issue that provides a significant advantage for Democrats in 2024.
Best First Day at Work Ever: What if your first day at work was attending a sold-out luncheon with Speaker Emerati Nancy Pelosi? That is what happened at JACPAC, where Emanuela Frankel took over the leadership role from Marcia Balonick. Congrats to Marcia for her decades of commitment to JACPAC, and we're counting on big things from Emanuela.
Great News! As a follow-up to our article about the amazing work of the Illinois Prison Project, I just received this update from Jenny Soble, Executive Director: "I'm so thrilled to share that yesterday we secured freedom for our 100th client. Although fighting for the freedom of individual clients is just one part of our work, it is a huge accomplishment... Thank you for helping us reach this incredible milestone. We're looking forward to turning 100 into 1,000 and beyond."
|
|
Since forming Just Cause, Nancy and Lisa have worked with more than 50 organizations, and we are always inspired by the dedication of their leaders, the impact of their mission, and their desire to leave the world a better place.
"What I appreciated most was Lisa and Nancy always challenged me to do more.
But they didn’t give me a bunch of ideas and leave.
They stayed with me, prepared me, followed up.
They wanted results as much as I did and worked with me to get there.
100% of the time I was rewarded when I followed their guidance.
They gave me the confidence I needed to
lead our organization to the next level of fundraising."
—Nancy Bulzoni, Executive Director, Cancer Wellness Center
Nancy Bulzoni and her team at the Cancer Wellness Center were one of our first clients and inspired us with their mission that touches all of us - a cancer diagnosis. Located in the northern Chicago suburbs, for over 30 years CWC provides education, wellness services, and psychosocial support to people with cancer and their loved ones.
The calendar of offerings is extensive, but some examples include individual and family counseling, support groups for youths, yoga for better sleep, caregiver support groups, cancer diet education, and mindfulness. As part of its mission to assist everyone touched by cancer, all programs are free of charge.
The goals for our engagement were to support leadership in diversifying and enhancing CWC’s donor relationships and increase awareness of and engagement with this “hidden gem.”
Through our work we
- Developed a series of engagement opportunities for prospective donors on the North Shore to connect with CWC.
- Created a custom system for improved donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Coached and provided ongoing support for the Executive Director and board members, improving skills and confidence in fundraising.
Results
- Empowered the Executive Director and board members to solicit larger and more targeted gifts.
- Enhanced the organization’s visibility in the community.
- Helped grow annual event revenue by 50%. Overall fundraising rose 23% during our work with CWC.
Why Just Cause? Nancy Kohn and Lisa Acker, partners, help nonprofits reach new heights. Whether it’s a high-level strategy or rolling up our sleeves to help with immediate tasks at hand, we are paving the way.
If you need an assessment of fundraising potential, a multi-year fundraising plan, hope to launch a capital campaign, develop new models for cultivation activities, design an anniversary fundraising program, create donor-focused communications, elevate your board's role as ambassadors, or expand your overall capacity, we are here to help! Learn more about us at Just Cause.
|
|
On The Calendar
Join the fun and attend an in-person event!
If you feel safer at a distance, check out the hybrid and zoom options.
(Photos in this section are supplied by the candidate/official unless otherwise specified)
|
|
In-Person: President Joe Biden in Chicago
|
|
Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker will be hosting a luncheon with President Joe Biden.
Everyone will be there... how about you?
Not sure if you want to support this event? Re-read Art's column above!
The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 28th, at the JW Marriott in Chicago.
Nancy is putting together a table with special pricing options. Contact her, 312-925-8067, or by email for details.
|
|
|
|
|
In-Person: Decalogue Society Annual Awards Meeting
|
|
Since 1934, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers has been supporting Jewish lawyers and the legal community in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
This year, their Annual Installation and Awards Dinner will be celebrating the installation of Judge Megan E. Goldish as President, and honoring David Axelrod with a Lifetime Achievement award, as well as honoring several others.
The event will be held on Tuesday, July 11th, beginning with a reception at 5:15 p.m. at the Union League Club. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
|
|
In-Person: Summer Brews with the IDCCA
|
|
It's back! Please join an outstanding host committee as the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association (IDCCA) brings you their Fifth Annual Summer Brews. It's guaranteed fun and it supports the IDCCA...how great is that?
Mark your calendar for Monday, July 10th, from 5:30 p.m. at Eris Brewery and Cider House in Chicago.
|
|
|
Feel Good Story of the Day
Back in May, when every MLB team still had hope, the Tampa Bay Rays were about to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at home at Tropicana Field.
The game was less exciting than the lead-up to it. Helen Kahan, 100 years old and a survivor of the Holocaust, threw out the honorary first pitch!
Our favorite comment came from the Board Chair of the Tampa Holocaust Museum who noted that had his grandfather been there, he was sure to have said, "Hitler would have hated this!"
|
|
|
|
|
Tom Hanks at Harvard
Actor, Director, and All Around Good Guy Tom Hanks was the keynote speaker at the Harvard University graduation this year.
He started by apologizing to the assembled graduates for having received his (honorary) Harvard degree "without having done a lick of work."
It's a gem from start to finish.
|
|
Thanks for reading.
We appreciate each of our readers.
to your address book!
Thanks for all that you do!
Stay safe and healthy,
Nancy
Nancy Kohn
Nancy Kohn Consulting, LLC
101 W. Grand - Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
nkohn@kohnconsulting.com
|
|
Jobs/Internships/Fellowships |
Send your listings with the words "jobs" or "internships" in the subject line to us. Please include a brief description, no longer than 70 words, with either a link to a position description and/or a description of how to apply. A contact person is also helpful.
|
|
Daybook is the number one resource for political, policy, and government jobs around the country. Check it out daily for the latest job openings or sign up to receive daily updates!
|
|
Reminder: We try to update our list of job banks regularly. Don't skip over the opening paragraphs to this section that has links to great resources. Now, on to the specific jobs...
Advance Illinois is a not-for-profit policy and advocacy organization that works toward a healthy public education system that prepares students to achieve success in college, career, and civic life. They are seeking a Development Associate responsible for supporting a comprehensive, diversified, and sustainable fundraising program to maintain and grow the general operations and programs. Click here for more information and to apply.
The Midwest Access Project (MAP) envisions a society in which every person has access to patient-centered, quality reproductive health care within their community. They are seeking an Executive Director to articulate a strong vision for the future, lead the organization’s growth to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities the new realities in reproductive health present. Click here for more information and to apply.
All Chicago prevents and ends homelessness through four signature approaches: emergency financial assistance, community partnerships, data analytics, and training and research. They are seeking a Vice President of Development & Communications who will be responsible for all aspects of All Chicago’s fundraising and communication efforts. This individual works closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to ensure that development and communications strategies align with the strategic plan and support the growth and financial sustainability of All Chicago. Click here for more information and to apply.
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
