This week we were once again reminded of the harsh realities of inequality in our country. While we mourn the murder of Breonna Taylor, we are also tasked with continuing to fight for the justice she unfortunately did not receive.
Cases like these make my work as an elected official even more important and I am committed to playing my role in creating systemic change in Chicago that will have a lasting impact in communities that have been ignored for too long because we can do better as a city.
|
|
|
Next week, I'll host a panel with Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown, Westside Justice Center Executive Director Tanya Woods, and Rainbow Push Coalition Activist Dr. Jonathan Jackson. This panel will discuss how we can push to reform laws and policies that contribute to systematic racism in our city, our state and our country.
I can't wait to sit down with our panelists and talk to our viewers. This is an event you don't want to miss. Details to register are below.
|
|
Our fight for equality and justice continues. Join us for a panel hosted by Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin that will focus on how we can make a difference in the laws and policies that have oppressed people of color for centuries. Panelists will include Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown, Westside Justice Center Executive Director Tanya Woods, and Rainbow Push Coalition Activist Dr. Jonathan Jackson.
|
|
UP TO $1500 SCHOLARSHIP FOR CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS! |
|
In partnership with BMO Harris Bank, we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering TWO scholarships to TWO deserving Chicago high school seniors! We're asking all students to provide an essay of up to 500 words detailing a Hispanic American who played a role in shaping Chicago's future and how they plan to use their college experience to build on that legacy.
The contest is open until October 15. The best response and application will be announced by City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin next month. Make sure you apply through CPS Academic Works or send your essay and accompanying information to [email protected].
|
|
In Case You Missed It! Money Mondays with Melissa |
|
In case you missed it, here is the full video of the latest Money Mondays with Melissa, which featured Chicago Scholars CEO Dominique Jordan Turner, Thrive Scholars CEO Steve Noonan, and Bottom Line Executive Director Chris Broughton.
This panel brought together leaders of some of the most highly sought youth organizations in Chicago to showcase the vast amount of programs and resources available to low-income and first-generation-to-college students to help them get to and through college.
Check it out!
|
|
Financial Resources
Business Interruption Grants Program
The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. Click here for more information.
Rebuild Distressed Communities Program
Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program to support economically distressed Illinois businesses and communities that have sustained property damage due to civil unrest on or after May 25th, 2020. For more details on this grant, click here.
Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration is offering the Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program to assist homeowners in low-income areas across Chicago reduce the amount of lead levels in water. For more details on if you qualify for this program, visit chi.gov/leadsafe.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) - SomerCor
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) promotes economic development by providing small businesses with financial assistance for building-improvement costs. SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the City’s Department of Planning and Development for the SBIF program. Grants are provided to property owners after work is completed and bills are paid. Click here for more information.
Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage is actively raising money for the Topped and Service Worker Support Fund and will be making temporary cash gifts to workers as funding becomes available. Cash assistance is available for restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more. Click here for more information.
Microsoft Community Skills Program
Microsoft offers unrestricted cash grants of up to $100,000 per year to up to 50 eligible nonprofits to support skill development to help African Americans gain access to technology work. This program is part of Microsoft's approach to address racial inequity. Applications are due September 30th. Click here for more information.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
The City of Chicago's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund will open for grant applications from entrepreneurs and nonprofit groups on the South, West and Southwest sides September 14, with more than $5 million in funding available. A map of eligible areas can be found on the program's website here.
IRS Home Office Deduction
As many small business have transitioned to working from home, they might be eligible to claim some of their expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, insurance, utilities and more. To see if you qualify, visit IRS.gov for more information.
|
|
Travel Restrictions
Travelers from the following states and territories should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin. Stay up to date with travel restrictions on a weekly basis here.
|
|
The Deadline to Complete Your Census Is Coming Up! |
|
If you haven't completed your census, there is still time! It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.
It is more important now than ever to complete you census online, by phone or by mail. I urge you to complete your census today.
|
|
If you did not receive an invitation to respond from the Census Bureau, you may respond online at 2020census.gov or through any of these toll-free phone numbers:
- English: 844-330-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
- TDD: 844-467-2020
- Mandarin: 844-391-2020
- Cantonese: 844-398-2020
- Polish: 844-479-2020
- Arabic: 844-416-2020
|
|
We Have 40 Days Until the General Election!
We have 40 days until the general election in November! Make sure you, your family members and friends are registered to vote so you can vote early. Requesting a ballot now can prevent the U.S. Postal Service from being overwhelmed amid cuts, so make your voice heard by voting by mail early!
|
|
Don't Forget to Follow Us! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
