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Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating
Click Below to Print His 2026 Environmental Scorecard
| Poll Questions on Animal Welfare and Public Safety in Illinois | |
Dear Community,
We are seeking your input as we consider drafting a new law to enhance animal welfare in Illinois. Recently, a concerned constituent brought to our attention the pressing issue of animal abuse in our state and highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable animals.
As we explore potential legislation, we want to ensure your voice is heard in this important discussion. To that end, we have created this poll to gauge public opinion on key topics in animal welfare and criminal justice reform. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping a bill that reflects our community’s values and concerns, helping us create a safer, more humane environment for all animals. Thank you for taking the time to participate.
La Shawn K. Ford
IL State RepresenTative, Eighth District
| Should individuals accused of abuse (including animal, domestic, child, or elder abuse) have the option to use home confinement and electronic monitoring instead of jail while their case is pending? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | If a person spends time on court-ordered electronic home monitoring before trial and is later convicted, should that time count toward their final sentence? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | Should Illinois establish a public, statewide registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | Help spread the word. Click the image below, copy and paste it, then text it to a friend or family member looking for a job. | Click image below to view Rep. Ford's Back to School Newsletter | Click image below to view Rep. Ford's Employment Report for June 2026 | Click image below to print | Click below for careers with MWRD to learn more | |
Click below to learn more | Click image below to learn more | |
In Loving Memory of Dolly Parton
January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026
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Associated Press Reports
August 25, 2026
| Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80 of cancer | |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, has died in Nashville. She was 80 years old.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement Tuesday.
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Dolly Parton, country music legend, dead at 80
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ABC News Reports
August 25, 2026
| | Dolly Parton shared update on her health days before her death at age 80 | |
Music legend Dolly Parton shared an update on her health just days before her death at age 80.
Parton's death was announced by her nephew via video on Tuesday. No cause of death was provided.
Just days before, on Aug. 21, Parton shared a statement with People saying she was taking time to address health issues she "didn't pay attention to" in the time before the death of her husband, Carl Dean, last year.
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The Root Reports
August 25, 2026
| | 11 Reasons Why Black Folks Will Always Love Dolly Parton | |
Country music legend Dolly Parton has come to hold a special place in Black folks’ hearts over the years. So it’s no wonder that news of her death on Tuesday (August 25) has countless folks in our community mourning the beloved country music star. Parton passed away in Nashville, though no cause of death has been determined yet. She was 80.
| Dolly Parton Invested Royalties from Whitney Houston Song to Black Community | |
The Black Wall Street Times Reports
August 25, 2026
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Dolly Parton, Country Icon Who Reached Across Racial Divides, Dies At 80
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NASHVILLE — Dolly Parton, the Tennessee-born singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 80.
Her family confirmed her death in a video posted to her social media, featuring her nephew, Bryan Seaver. In the video, Seaver shared that Parton died peacefully in Nashville. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
| Dolly Parton Poll Question | Which of Dolly Parton’s contributions or actions in support of the Black community do you find most commendable? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | |
Rep. Ford's Track Record
A Look Back at Rep. Ford’s History of Community Advocacy, Listening, and his Lasting Impact on the West Side
| | Rep. Ford Takes Action Fighting for the People’s Rights | Click video below to learn more information about Rep. Ford's extensive track record | |
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”
-Dolly Parton, American musician
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On This Day in History
August 26, 1920
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History Reports
August 14, 2026
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The 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, is formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution. The amendment was the culmination of more than 70 years of struggle by the women's suffrage movement.
The two sections of the 19th Amendment read simply: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex” and “Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”
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National Archives Reports
August 25, 2017
| 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Women's Right to Vote (1920) | |
The 19th amendment legally guarantees American women the right to vote. Achieving this milestone required a lengthy and difficult struggle—victory took decades of agitation and protest. Beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change of the Constitution. Few early supporters lived to see final victory in 1920.
| The 19th Amendment | History | 19th Amendment adopted August 26 1920 | Rep. Ford's Poll Questions | What do you think was the most significant achievement of the women’s suffrage movement? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | Did you know the fight for women’s voting rights lasted more than 70 years? | Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly. | Before today, how familiar were you with Ted Kennedy’s nearly 47-year career in the U.S. Senate? | Which part of Ted Kennedy’s political legacy stands out to you most? | |
Knowing History Spotlight Moment
August 26, 2026
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1346
Battle of Crecy
1794
President George Washington expresses his determination to subdue the Whiskey Rebellion
1914
Battle of Tannenberg begins
1920
19th Amendment adopted
1939
First televised Major League Baseball game
1957
Russia tests an intercontinental ballistic missile
1964
Lyndon B. Johnson receives Democratic nomination for president
1968
Democratic National Convention besieged by protesters
1978
“Grease” movie soundtrack earns its second No. 1 hit
1986
“Preppy Murder” stuns New York
2016
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick sits during national anthem
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The Oak Park Police and Fire Department is Hiring!
Click images below to print
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Things You Should Know
Key Illinois Facts and Important Terms Every American Should Understand
| Key Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know | Click Image Below to Read a List of Important Words Americans Should Know | |
Take Action in Your Democracy
Contact the White House and Locate Your Elected Officials
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Contact the White House with Your
Concerns Today
| If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with the federal government, it is important to reach out to the White House immediately by phone or email. Your voice matters! | |
Phone Number: (202) 456-1111
Email: president@whitehouse.gov
| Click image below to find your elected official | |
Mental Health Resources
Support, Services, and Help When You Need It
| Suicide Prevention Hotline | |
Help is available; speak with someone today:
Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988
| Click image below to view Rep. Ford's special edition on mental health | |
Essential Support Services
Free Assistance for Unemployment, Housing, Health Care, Food, and Legal Help
| Click Image Below to File for Unemployment Insurance | Click Image Below to Learn 10 Things You Should Know About Filing Unemployment Insurance | Click Image Below to Learn About Cash, SNAP and Medical Assistance | Click Image Below to Learn More About Health Insurance | Click Image Below to Learn More About Homeowners Assistance | Click Image Below to Learn More About Free Legal Services | |
Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
Tools, Funding, and Support to Strengthen Your Mission
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Click Image Below to Learn More About Federal Safety and Security Grants available to
Non-Profit Organizations Statewide
| | It's National Breastfeeding Month | | |
National Breastfeeding Month dedicates every August to raising awareness about the profound health benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. This annual observance promotes education, support, and advocacy for lactation. Join the conversation, share your stories, and support policies that empower breastfeeding families.
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What does a lactation consultant do? | | Get Connected with Rep. Ford | | Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads | |
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Educator OPT (Math)
Job Requisition ID: 58230
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Class Title: EDUCATOR - 13100
Skill Option: High School
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $6,044/month;
Full Range $6,044 - $10,645/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Lawrence
Number of Vacancies: 1
Click Here to Apply
Navigator Contracts Program Manager
Job Requisition ID: 57734
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: 08/28/2026
Agency: Department of Insurance
Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: $6,820 - $9,875 (Anticipated starting
salary $6,820/CBA Language applies)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Click Here to Apply
Activity Therapist
Job Requisition ID: 57783
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 08/26/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328 - $7,480 per month
($63,936 - $89,760 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Click Here to Apply
Score- Loaders
Job Requisition ID: 55173
Opening Date: 04/10/2026
Closing Date: 10/31/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000
Salary: $15-$19/hr.
Job Type: Hourly
Category: Full Time
County: Randolph
Number of Vacancies: Up to 100
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Click Here to Apply
| Click Below to View Job Highlights from Previous Dates | |
Click Image Below to View Jobs
Based on Industry
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Click Image Below to View
Federal, State and City Jobs
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Eighth District Community | | Explore Local Small Businesses Through the Eighth District Chamber of Commerce | | |
Despite losing 9.1 million jobs in the first two quarters of 2020, small businesses job growth rebounded swiftly following the COVID-19 recession. In the four quarters following, small businesses have gained 5.5 million jobs, making up for 60 percent of the decline during the early pandemic.
Small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. For more, read Advocacy’s latest fact sheet, “Small Business Job Creation”.
| Click Image to Connect with a local Chamber of Commerce and Explore Job Postings in the Eighth Legislative District | | Rep. Ford's Community Events | |
Click image below to learn more information about Oak Park Township | | Rep Ford's Special Edition Newsletters | | Click Image Below to View Global Eye Magazine's Special Feature on Rep. Ford | | Click Image Below to View Chicago News Weekly Special Feature on Rep. Ford | Click Image Below to View Chicago News Weekly's Article on Rep. Ford | | Stay connected with Rep. Ford to stay up-to-date with the latest news and upcoming events! | | | | |
