SPRINGFIELD, IL -State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) recently filed legislation that aims to reduce poverty by fifty percent or more by 2015. The commission has the task of drafting a strategic plan to eliminate poverty.
"It's appalling that in Illinois, one of the wealthiest states in the country, over 678,000 people are living in extreme poverty," said Senator Frerichs. "In Vermillion County we have a poverty rate of eighteen percent which includes nearly thirty percent of children living in poverty. Champaign County has one of the top ten highest rates of poverty in the state, so this isn't strictly a Chicago issue."
The commission will examine if Illinois residents have access to affordable housing, food and nutrition, quality education, healthcare, childcare, and transportation. The commission will also investigate whether or not there are adequate opportunities to earn a living wage. When the commission releases its plan in 2010, it will have specific policy and fiscal recommendations for the General Assembly to act on. The commission also hopes to provide advice on legislation which affects poverty.
"Eliminating poverty is one of the fundamental goals of the Illinois Constitution," said Senator Frerichs. "I think it's time for us to make poverty a priority and layout a comprehensive roadmap to combat it. We can't continue to just fill in potholes as they come along."
The commission will be composed of representatives from the House, Senate, Governor's office, Lieutenant Governor's office, as well as members of the public. According to the bill, the public members should include individuals who have experienced extreme poverty, advocates for the homeless, advocates for children, representatives from groups combating rural poverty, and many other groups who deal with the issue of poverty.
"Here in Illinois we have the highest rate of poverty in the Midwest. We must do better than that," said Senator Frerichs. "Everyday in the news we hear about a possible recession. I think we need a proactive plan to deal with poverty before it starts affecting more people."
