OPINION

Stop blaming police for killing of 13-year-old out on the street in middle of the night
Stop blaming police for killing of 13-year-old out on the street in middle of the night Every time a child is killed by a street gang or even … Click to Read
Pekau won re-election but lost campaign to build his own Machine
Opinion: Pekau won re-election but lost campaign to build his own Machine By Ray Hanania After a bruising political election, Orland Park’s Mayor Keith Pekau managed to defeat … Click to Read
Right from the Middle: America taken over by three oligarchs acting as dictators
Right from the Middle: America taken over by three oligarchs acting as dictators Three oligarchs rule this country, each acting as dictator for their wing of government- the … Click to Read
Gorman slams Pekau’s “fake Republicans” in video ads
Opinion: Gorman slams Pekau’s “fake Republicans” in video ads Orland Township Republican Chairperson Liz Gorman released a powerful series of videos slamming Orland Mayor Keith Pekau for backing … Click to Read
Police unfairly targeted in new Illinois laws and politics in Palos
Opinion: Police unfairly targeted in new Illinois laws and politics in Palos Police are again being unfairly targeted in legislation that strips away their “qualified immunity” and exposes … Click to Read
Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years
Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau doesn’t want you to talk about the FACT that he has taken the $150,000 … Click to Read

News Wire

Pat Dowell Announces Candidacy for Illinois Secretary of State
Pat Dowell Announces Candidacy for Illinois Secretary of State Pat Dowell, Alderman and Committeeman of Chicago’s Third Ward, announced her candidacy for Illinois Secretary of State this week. “As a committed public servant, helping and serving people has always been my top priority,” said Dowell. “My singular goal of this office is to provide the residents of Illinois with the best customer services possible and not to use the office as a personal steppingstone to advance my career.” “I have always been a public servant. I have deep governmental experience plus nonprofit experience. It has always been about service. I am running for Secretary of State to be the Secretary of State and serve the people of Illinois.” “The Secretary of State provides vital services to the people of Illinois. Jesse White has given a lifetime of service to our community and state; I look forward to building on the foundation of quality service and programs created by Secretary White. Every day, I serve the residents of the ward, providing much-needed services efficiently and effectively. I will continue this commitment to the people as Secretary of State,” added Dowell. “As Secretary of State, I will focus on customer service, cutting edge technology, libraries, literacy, and business services.” “If you talk to people about my work in the ward and in City Council, you know that I deliver for my constituents. That is what I will do as your next Secretary of State. I will work hard for you, and I will make serving you my priority.” Website: www.IllinoisForDowell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citizensforpatdowell Press Conference Video: https://fb.watch/4JGFvkrCcv/ About Pat Dowell With extensive experience in community development and civic engagement, Pat Dowell was elected Alderman of the Third Ward of Chicago in 2007. She is the Chair of the Chicago City Council Budget Committee. She has remained committed to building every part of her community block by block, making sure that all the constituents of the 3rd Ward have access to quality school options, safe neighborhoods, and thriving businesses. Dowell was a significant catalyst for the rebirth of the historic Bronzeville community that occurred in the 1990s. She has an extensive background in urban planning and community development and was one of the primary architects of the Bronzeville Development Plan – which won a Burnham Award for excellence in planning. She is a former City Planner and Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Planning under former Mayors Harold Washington, Eugene Sawyer, and Richard Daley. Formerly, Ms. Dowell was the executive director of the Near West Side Community Development Corporation, where she built affordable housing and commercial retail space and provided social services and employment and financial counseling services to residents of Henry Horner Homes. In the mid-1990s, she was the founding executive director of the Mid-South Planning and Development Commission, and as a result of her leadership, millions of dollars in development funding were allocated to the ward to preserve several historic Bronzeville landmarks. Finally, she was executive director of Chicago Public Allies, a national youth development organization. Pat Dowell is the proud mother of an adult son and a longtime Bronzeville resident. As a college basketball star, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from The University of Rochester and her master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. Dowell owns a scrappy Yorkshire Terrier named Toots and is an avid Chicago Bulls Fan. While she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling – what she is truly passionate about is helping to serve the needs of her constituents.
State Rep. Meyers-Martin Announces Community Vaccination Event in Richton Park
State Rep. Meyers-Martin Announces Community Vaccination Event in Richton Park Pfizer Part 1 – Advance Registration Required – Seniors will be Prioritized State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, in partnership with the Village Presidents of Richton Park, Park Forest and Matteson, is pleased to announce a community vaccination event to be held this Thursday, April 8th between 10am and 4pm at the Richton Park Community Center, 4455 Sauk Trail. Advance registration is required online at https://prism.org/repmeyersmartin. Registration and registration assistance is also available by phone at 1-800-325-1812. Seniors will be prioritized in the scheduling of appointments for this vaccination event. This event will offer the first dose of the two-part Pfizer vaccine. Residents who are registered will automatically be provided with an appointment time for their second dose. “My office has received numerous requests from residents in the district about the need to offer a vaccine event in Richton Park, Park Forest and Matteson that will give priority to seniors,” said State Representative Meyers-Martin. “We heard those requests and are offering this event to help fill this critical need.” While anyone eligible to receive a vaccine under Cook County Phase 1c may pre-register, seniors will be given priority in the registration of vaccines for this one-day event. Anyone who pre-registers and is not able to receive a vaccine during this event will be placed on the provider’s waitlist and will be contacted by Prism Health Lab when future vaccination appointments become available. “The Village of Richton Park is pleased to host this vital event to bring vaccination opportunities directly to our residents and our neighbors,” said Richton Park Village President Rick Reinbold. “Village Presidents Vanderbilt, Chalmers-Currin and I are joining together to ask everyone to help spread the word locally about this vaccine event in Richton Park, Park Forest and Matteson, especially to the seniors in your neighborhood.” The Village of Richton Park is also seeking volunteers to assist in the day-of coordination of this event. Interested volunteers should contact Community Relations Coordinator Ken Jones by 5pm on Wednesday, April 7th by phone 708-481-8950 x120 or by email at kljones@richtonpark.org.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly Issues Statement on Rising Maternal Mortality Rate
Congresswoman Robin Kelly Issues Statement on Rising Maternal Mortality Rate Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, issued the following statement Tuesday (April 6, 2021) regarding newly released data showing that the U.S. maternal mortality rate increased in 2019. “Maternal mortality is a tragic and worsening crisis in our country, and this newly released data is a deafening alarm warning us that we need to do more,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Each mother who passes away from complications of childbirth leaves behind a hole in our families and in our communities. “Many maternal deaths are preventable, and we must continue pushing for policies that make it safer for women, and especially women of color, to give birth. I am hopeful that the provision I fought to have included in the American Rescue Plan that will increase access to postpartum care under Medicaid will allow more women to receive medical care when they need it and ultimately save lives.” Data just released from the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics show the maternal mortality rate for 2019 was 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, and indicated a statistically significant increase compared to the 2018 rate of 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. Additionally, data shows that the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women (44.0 deaths per 100,000 live births) was 2.5 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women (17.9) and 3.5 times the rate for Hispanic women (12.6). This is especially startling when compared to 2018 data showing the mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women of 37.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, non-Hispanic white women 14.9, and Hispanic 11.8 women. Congresswoman Kelly is a longstanding proponent of legislation and policies to combat the maternal mortality crisis and save the lives of women. Earlier this year Congresswoman Kelly introduced theSupporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act, which would require Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to publish guidance for maternal care providers on how to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity. Last month she released the first-ever Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls report, where she highlighted the need for new policies to save the lives of new mothers. Last Congress, Congresswoman Kelly introduced the MOMMAs Act, the Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2020, and the Helping Moms Act, which was passed by the House.
Newman convenes transit leaders as part of Biden’s American Jobs Plan
Newman convenes transit leaders as part of Biden’s American Jobs Plan Convening of Chicagoland transportation leaders comes as Congress moves forward with passing President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, a historic investment that will create millions of good jobs and rebuild our country’s infrastructure U.S. Representative Marie Newman (D-IL) on Tuesday convened Chicagoland area transit leaders to highlight local transportation and infrastructure priorities in the Midwest region as Congress pushes forward with passing President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Joined by Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Newman highlighted the importance of convening a broad coalition of local transit leaders and advocates to gather their input and ideas, and determine the best path forward to creating good jobs and making America more competitive. “For decades, our nation has put modernizing our infrastructure and transportation systems on the back burner, resulting in incomplete infrastructure projects, broken roads, eliminated bus routes, and transportation deserts in far too many communities across the country. With the American Jobs Plan, we have a once-in-a-century capital investment to put our country on the right track to build back our roads and local transportation systems so we can make them more affordable, accessible and reliable than ever before,” said Congresswoman Newman. “As we move forward with passing this critical legislation, it’s imperative that our transit leaders, local officials and advocates all have a seat at the table so we can ensure Illinois residents receive the high-quality, reliable transit systems and infrastructure they deserve.” “From small towns to big cities, the Midwest’s infrastructure is critical to the economy and job creation in the region. Today’s discussion—on the heels of President Biden unveiling his once-in-a-generation American Jobs Plan—only made it more clear that transformative investments to move our infrastructure out of the 1950s and into the modern era cannot wait,” said Chair DeFazio. “With Representatives Newman and Garcia, the people of Illinois are well served by two leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work creating jobs, investing in communities, and ensuring that our infrastructure and transportation systems are smarter, safer, greener, and made to last.” “Latino, Black, and marginalized communities continue to suffer segregation, gentrification, separation from opportunity by physical barriers like train tracks and highways. The American Jobs Plan will begin to undo decades of discrimination in infrastructure policy by investing in our communities, creating millions of good-paying union jobs, and rebuilding our country’s transportation systems,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “We have a once-in-a century opportunity to make transformational investments to fix our crumbling roads, bridges, and transit systems in Chicago and across the country. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Newman, Chairman DeFazio, transit leaders, and local officials to get Chicago the funding it needs.” Announced last week, President Biden’s American Jobs Plan represents a historic investment that will create millions of good-paying, union jobs, rebuild our country’s infrastructure and transit systems, and position the United States as a leader in infrastructure and innovation once again. As Congress moves forward with building on the historic proposal, Congresswoman Newman has convened a broad coalition of transportation leaders and advocates to best identify priorities and projects to improve and modernize infrastructure and transit systems in the Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois. “Metra applauds Congresswoman Newman’s leadership in holding today’s important event with House Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio,” said Jim Derwinski, Metra’s CEO/Executive Director. “The announcement by the Biden Administration of their $2 trillion infrastructure plan is a much-needed shot in the arm for the nation’s aging infrastructure. We know with Congresswoman Newman and our entire congressional delegation, along with visionary leaders like Chairman DeFazio in Congress, we will soon have a robust infrastructure package that invests in transit and invests in America.” “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan represents a much-needed commitment to the infrastructure that keeps our cities and towns moving,” said Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We thank Congresswoman Newman and the entire Illinois Delegation for working with Chairman DeFazio and Congressional leaders to craft an infrastructure package that will enable the CTA and transit agencies across the country to address longstanding needs to repair and modernize our aging infrastructure.” “After the unprecedented challenges of the last year, it is extremely encouraging to see new leadership in Washington that prioritizes not only helping cities and states recover from the COVID-19 pandemic — but is also committed to investing in infrastructure that will build our country back and build it smarter, better and fairer,” said Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi. “These investments will push forward our work to prioritize walking and biking, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and improve our public way to support neighborhood revitalization.” “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan is a monumental effort to not only rebuild our nation but create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs in the process,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “From the American Rescue Plan and efforts to pass the PRO Act to today’s convening of local leaders, I applaud Congresswoman Newman and the rest of the Illinois delegation for ensuring our state’s workers always have a seat at the table as we collectively work together to restore our economy and strengthen our unions along the way.” “To maintain the region’s status as North America’s freight hub, the county has a growing need to expand and repair existing thoroughfares,” said Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. “A comprehensive infrastructure package will have the dual benefit of helping to address the County’s growing transit needs while creating good-paying jobs as Will County begins its comeback.”

STATEWIDE NEWS

House Redistricting Committee Urges Public to Share Insight at Regional Hearings
House Redistricting Committee Urges Public to Share Insight at Regional Hearings House Redistricting Committee Chair Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, is encouraging members of the public and advocates to participate in the process of creating new districts …
Hastings announces for Secretary of State
Hastings announces for Secretary of State State Senator Michael E. Hastings announces bid for Secretary of State. Hastings wins major endorsement from the Carpenters union, which represents 30,000 Illinois working families Illinois State Senator Michael E. …

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31,000 Cook County seniors could qualify for lower property taxes

County Treasurer Maria Pappas: 31,000 senior citizens could apply for money-saving Cook County property tax exemptions

As many as 31,000 senior citizens could save hundreds of dollars immediately on their property tax bills due August 1 by applying for exemptions they previously received, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

Those homeowners received the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption last year but have not reapplied, according to an estimate by the Treasurer’s Office. Of those seniors, roughly 21,000 received the Senior Freeze Exemption last year but also have not reapplied, Pappas added.

To check the status of your tax exemptions—or to make a payment—visit cookcountytreasurer.com and:

Select “Your Property Overview”
Enter your address or Property Index Number (PIN)

State law requires that senior citizens reapply every year for these exemptions, which are available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older. The Senior Freeze is limited to seniors with annual household incomes of $65,000 or less. Some of the homes may no longer be eligible for the exemptions.

Applications for tax exemptions are available from the Cook County Assessor’s Office. If the Assessor’s Office grants the application, it will issue an adjusted bill for the Second Installment of Tax Year 2017, due August 1, 2018.

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A critic of mainstream news media bias, Hanania advocates for peace & justice for Israel & Palestine, & the empowerment of Arabs in America.

Click here to listen to Ray's Political Podcast.

Hanania's columns are archived on his personal website at RayHanania.com. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Hanania is President/CEO of Urban Strategies Group which provides communications services to governments and private businesses, and hosts writing training workshops, and publishes books.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

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31,000 Cook County seniors could qualify for lower property taxes

31,000 Cook County seniors could qualify for lower property taxes

County Treasurer Maria Pappas: 31,000 senior citizens could apply for money-saving Cook County property tax exemptions

The Political Pundit