Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

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Associated Press Reports

September 4, 2026

Travelers flocked to Illinois last year, generating over $88 billion in economic impact

Illinois tourism reached new peaks last year, breaking records on visitor spending and generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office announced.

The growth was driven by around 115 million domestic and international tourists, who spent $50.2 billion while traveling in Illinois — an increase of 3.5% from the year before, and marking the first time the state has surpassed the $50 billion threshold for visitor spending.

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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

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Quote of the Day

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

-Arthur Ashe, American tennis player and AIDS activist

On This Day in History

September 5, 1991

History Reports

Marcch 2, 2025

AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home

On the sunny morning of September 5, 1991, in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Arlington, Virginia, a group of activists arrive at the home of North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. Using ladders, several of them climb to the roof of the house, and from there they unfurl a giant piece of fabric, which is then inflated by their comrades on the front lawn. Soon, the senator’s home is surrounded by a giant, yellow condom reading “A CONDOM TO STOP UNSAFE POLITICS: HELMS IS DEADLIER THAN A VIRUS,” a decidedly unsubtle response to Helms’ vehement opposition to gay rights and to funding AIDS research and treatment.

One Institute Reports

'My goal was to criticize him and get people to laugh at him at the same time… So, I dreamed big. A big condom, that is. Draped over Jesse Helms’ house.'

In his 30-year career as a U.S. Senator from North Carolina, Jesse Helms was known as “Senator No.” He vehemently opposed the end to racial segregation. He fought against other civil rights legislation including voting rights. He led a filibuster against making Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday a national holiday. He was against abortion and opposed the United Nations.

ACT-UP Unfurls Giant Condom Engulfing Jesse Helms' Home

Cop asks AIDS activists to take a huge condom off of Sen. Jesse Helms's house

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

What do you think activists were primarily trying to accomplish by covering Senator Jesse Helms’ home with a giant yellow condom in 1991?

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

Poll Question #2

 When government leaders appear unwilling to address a public health crisis, do activists have a responsibility to use increasingly disruptive tactics to force attention?

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

Yesterday's Poll Results

How do you think you would have felt as one of the Little Rock Nine?

How important do you think Brown v. Board of Education was to the fight for educational equality?

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 5, 2026

1774

First Continental Congress convenes

1836

Sam Houston elected as president of Texas

1847

Outlaw Jesse James is born in Missouri

1877

Sioux military leader Crazy Horse is killed

1922

Sarah Winchester dies, halting construction of the mysterious Winchester house

1957

The New York Times gives “On the Road” a rave review

1969

Lieutenant William Calley charged for My Lai massacre

1970

U.S. forces launch last major American operation of the Vietnam War

1972

Massacre begins at Munich Olympics

1975

Gerald Ford survives first assassination attempt

1991

AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home

2006

Katie Couric makes historic network anchor debut

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

Click Image Below to Learn More About Federal Safety and Security Grants available to

Non-Profit Organizations Statewide

It's U.S. Bowling League Day

National Today Reports

US Bowling League Day celebrates the spirit of competitive and social bowling every September 3. Gather your teammates, polish your ball, and head to the lanes for a day of strikes, spares, and good times. Join a league, cheer on friends, or simply enjoy a game with fellow enthusiasts!

What Does It Take To Become A Pro Bowler?

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Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Plats and Plans Technician

Job Requisition ID: 58564 IPR#26-01777

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Engineering Technician III 

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $4,159 Monthly;

Full Range: $4,159 - $7,187 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 3

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday – Friday

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Call Center Supervisor Section V

Job Requisition ID: 58512 

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Agency: Department of Revenue

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 

Skill Option: Fiscal Management/Accounting/Budget/

Internal Audit/Insurance/Financial 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,571 - $9,414 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

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Information Systems Analyst II]]

Job Requisition ID: 58539 

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Agency: Property Tax Appeal Board

Class Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST II - 21166 

Skill Option: Multi / Other - Information Technology 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060 monthly; ‘

Full Range $8.060 - $11,851 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Marketplace Data and Reporting Senior Analyst

Job Requisition ID: 58025 

Opening Date: 08/27/2026

Closing Date: 09/11/2026

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

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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”.

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Rep. Ford's Community Events

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Rep Ford's Special Edition Newsletters

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