Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

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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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WGN News Reports

September 14, 2026

Illinois and Chicago among those suing over ‘public charge’ green card restrictions

(The Hill/WGN) – The state of Illinois is among a coalition of Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., suing the Trump administration to block a rule that makes it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards or even enter the country if they rely on public benefits. 

The 22 states and D.C. are challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “public charge” rule, set to take effect Friday.  

The states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), argue the rule will penalize immigrants and their families for using public benefits like food stamps, Medicaid or housing vouchers to which they are legally entitled.

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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

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President

On This Day in History

September 16, 1940

History Reports

January 25, 2025

United States imposes the draft

The Burke-Wadsworth Act is passed by Congress on September 16, 1940, by wide margins in both houses, and the first peacetime draft in the history of the United States is imposed. Selective Service was born.

The registration of men between the ages of 21 and 36 began exactly one month later, as Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, who had been a key player in moving the Roosevelt administration away from a foreign policy of strict neutrality, began drawing draft numbers out of a glass bowl. The numbers were handed to the president, who read them aloud for public announcement. There were some 20 million eligible young men—50 percent were rejected the very first year, either for health reasons or illiteracy (20 percent of those who registered were illiterate).

The U.S. Department of War Reports

April 7, 2020

First Peacetime Draft Enacted Just Before World War II

In 1940, Americans closely followed the news of Germany's armed forces overrunning most of Europe, while Japan was using its military aggressively in East Asia. Public opinion in the United States was changing sharply from isolationism to the possibility of military action against the Axis powers of Italy, Japan and Germany.

U.S. President Franklin D Roosevelt announces the first peacetime military draft ...HD Stock Footage

FDR Signs Military Draft Act - 1940 | Today in History | 16 Sept 16

16 million men register themselves in United States for the WWII draft, and Presi...HD Stock Footage

Draft Registration 2026

Automatic Military Registration Faces December Deadline Amid Uncertainty Over Implementation

A new federal law is set to make Selective Service registration automatic for nearly all eligible male U.S. citizens and male residents ages 18 to 26, with implementation targeted for December 2026. The change, included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, is intended to streamline registration and strengthen military readiness. However, the Selective Service System withdrew its proposed implementation rule in July, leaving questions about how the system will be put into operation before the deadline. Automatic registration does not mean a military draft has been activated. Any draft would require separate authorization by Congress and the president, followed by a lottery and screening process.

CNN Politics Reports

April 9, 2026

Automatic military draft registration takes effect in December. Here’s how it would work

Young, eligible men will be automatically registered for the military draft pool starting in December as part of a measure tucked into the annual defense policy bill Congress signed into law late last year.

Men ages 18 to 26 must already register for selective service in case a draft is required. The last time a draft was in effect was February 1973, during

the Vietnam War.

CNN Politics Reports

April 9, 2026

Automatic Military Draft Registration Questions Arise Following Federal Rule Withdrawal

The Selective Service System has withdrawn the regulation intended to implement nationwide automatic draft registration, leaving the agency without a public implementation rule months before a congressionally mandated deadline.

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

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?

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

Poll Question #2

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.

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

Yesterday's Poll Results

On September 15, 1963, a bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, killed four young girls during Sunday morning services. What aspect of this tragedy stands out to you most?

The bombing was followed by additional violence in Birmingham, including the deaths of 16-year-old Johnny Robinson and 13-year-old Virgil Ware. What does this broader violence show about Birmingham in 1963?

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 16, 2026

1620

Mayflower departs England

1810

Mexican War of Independence begins

1845

Suspected Christian spy is murdered

1893

Settlers race to claim land in Oklahoma

1908

William Durant creates General Motors

1940

United States imposes the draft

1977

Opera star Maria Callas dies

2013

Gunman kills

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

Agencies and Institutions Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 57072

Opening Date: 09/11/2026

Closing Date: 09/25/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Title: Child Welfare Specialist (Upward Mobility Program)

Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218 

Skill Option: UMP Credential 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460 a month;

Full Range $6,460 - $9,337 a month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: DuPage

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Audio Visual Media Redaction Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 58558 

Opening Date: 09/11/2026

Closing Date: 09/28/2026

Agency: Illinois State Police

Class Title: AUDIO VISUAL MEDIA REDACTION

SPECIALIST (03450) 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,922 monthly;

Full Range $4,922 - $6,762 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 4

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Office Associate

Job Requisition ID: 58552 

Opening Date: 09/11/2026

Closing Date: 09/28/2026

Agency: Illinois State Police

Class Title: OFFICE ASSOCIATE - 30015 

Skill Option: Keyboarding 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,144 monthly;

Full Range $4,144 - $5,429 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Africa and Middle East Trade Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 58344

Opening Date: 09/11/2026

Closing Date: 09/25/2026

Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,571-$9,000 monthly

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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