Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

Click Below to Print His 2026 Environmental Scorecard

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Representative La Shawn K. Ford invites you to the "What Do Young People Think?" Emerging Voices Forum on Saturday, September 26th, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St., Chicago.

Young leaders will discuss artificial intelligence, civic engagement, and career readiness, with a resource fair from our partner organizations. Admission is free and lunch is provided. Forum participation is open to students 18 and under, and the event welcomes all ages as observers.

Please share with any students, parents, schools, or organizations who may be interested. RSVP is required to attend - link can be found in the QR code on the flyer.

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.

NACA: Hiring Housing Counselors, Real Estate Agents and other positions for offices nationwide. Do well financially by making homeownership dreams come true.

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Click image below to view Rep. Ford's Employment Report for July 2026

FOX 32 News Reports

September 14, 2026

Illinois bill would require gun manufacturers to help pay for gun violence costs

The backstory:

The bill is called the Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act, or RIFL for short, and it would establish a fund to address the costs and impact of gun violence.

The bill proposes that beginning January 1, 2028, a retailer would not be able to sell firearms from manufacturers that aren't licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). 

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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

Quote of the Day

“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”

-Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President

On This Day in History

September 17, 1787

History Reports

September 14, 2026

U.S. Constitution signed

The Constitution of the United States of America is signed by 39 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Supporters of the document waged a hard-won battle to win ratification by the necessary nine out of 13 U.S. states.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified several months before the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, provided for a loose confederation of U.S. states, which were sovereign in most of their affairs. On paper, Congress–the central authority–had the power to govern foreign affairs, conduct war, and regulate currency, but in practice these powers were sharply limited because Congress was given no authority to enforce its requests to the states for money or troops. By 1786, it was apparent that the Union would soon break up if the Articles of Confederation were not amended or replaced. Five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss the issue, and all the states were invited to send delegates to a new constitutional convention to be held in Philadelphia.

National Archives Reports

Constitution of the United States (1787)

Drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787, this four-page document, signed on September 17, 1787, established the government of the United States.

The Federal Convention convened in the State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Because the delegations from only two states were at first present, the members adjourned from day to day until a quorum of seven states was obtained on May 25.

The U.S. Constitution, EXPLAINED [AP Government Required Documents]

The making of the American Constitution - Judy Walton

Full US Constitution to Go on Display for First Time Ever

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

 If you were a delegate in 1787, which approach would you have supported for creating a stronger

national government?

Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly.

Poll Question #2

One major disagreement at the Constitutional Convention was how states should be represented in Congress. Which approach would you have supported?

Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly.

Yesterday's Poll Results

During World War II, Black Americans faced discriminatory treatment in the draft and military, including racist assumptions about their abilities, restrictions on the types of military units they could serve in, and efforts to limit the number of Black men drafted. As the war progressed, some of these restrictions changed and Black servicemembers were increasingly allowed to serve in combat roles. How do you think this history should shape the way we understand military service during World War II?

Do you think the United States should automatically register eligible men ages 18 to 26 for Selective Service? Registration does not mean someone is being drafted or required to serve. It simply places eligible individuals in the system so they could potentially be considered if Congress and the president ever authorize a draft.

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 17, 2026

1787

U.S. Constitution signed

1796

George Washington prepares final draft of farewell address

1862

The Allegheny Arsenal explodes, killing 78 people

1862

Battle of Antietam breaks out

1868

Cheyenne and Sioux battle frontiersmen at Beecher’s Island

1939

Soviet Union invades Poland

1967

The Who literally spark an explosion on national television

1976

NASA unveils its first space shuttle, the Enterprise

1978

Camp David Accords signed

1983

Vanessa Williams becomes first Black Miss America

1996

Oprah launches influential book club

2011

Occupy Wall Street begins

The Oak Park Police and Fire Department is Hiring!

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Things You Should Know

Key Illinois Facts and Important Terms Every American Should Understand

Key Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know

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Take Action in Your Democracy

Contact the White House and Locate Your Elected Officials

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

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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

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Essential Support Services

Free Assistance for Unemployment, Housing, Health Care, Food, and Legal Help

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Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

Tools, Funding, and Support to Strengthen Your Mission

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Non-Profit Organizations Statewide

It's Malnutrition Awareness Week

National Today Reports

Malnutrition Awareness Week takes place annually, starting on the second Monday of September. This multi-organizational campaign, led by ASPEN, educates healthcare professionals and the public on the critical importance of nutrition. Join the movement to foster better health outcomes and advocate for improved nutritional care.

Should You Become a Dietitian? | What I Actually Do Every Day | Pros and Cons

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Passenger and Light Duty Mechanic

Job Requisition ID: 58677 

Opening Date: 09/11/2026

Closing Date: 09/25/2026

Agency: Department of Central Management Services

Class Title: AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC - 03700 

Skill Option: Light Duty Vehicles 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,157/monthly; Full Range $6,157 -$7,699/monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Click Here to Apply

Educator- Career and Technical

Job Requisition ID: 57461 

Opening Date: 09/03/2026

Closing Date: 09/18/2026

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Class Title: EDUCATOR-CAREER AND TECHNICAL - 13103 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $5,342/month; Full Range $5,342 - $7,452/month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Saline

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Environmental Protection Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 58660 

Opening Date: 09/09/2026

Closing Date: 09/23/2026

Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Class Title: ENV PROT ENGINEER I (13791) 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,540 monthly; Full Range $6,540 - $7,480 monthly.

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Managing Director of Policy

Job Requisition ID: 55678

Opening Date: 09/09/2026

Closing Date: 10/07/2026

Agency: Illinois Board of Higher Education

Salary: commensurate with experience, within $148,500/yr-not

to exceed $175,000/yr

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Click below to view job highlights from previous dates

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Based on Industry

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Federal, State and City Jobs

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

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Rep Ford's Special Edition Newsletters

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Stay connected with Rep. Ford to stay up-to-date with the latest news and upcoming events!