August 30, 2023
In this Issue: Why Does Labor Day Matter? ● March in the Buffalo Grove Days Parade ● Many Thanks to Summer Interns ● Record-Setting Heat Prompted Many Schools to Close Last Week ● Show Support for Democrats ● Event Boosts State Senator Adriane Johnson ● Elected Officials Help Out at Fort2Base Race ● Lake Dems Join Indivisible in Lindenhurst Parade ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
Why Does Labor Day Matter?
Labor Day is more than just a chance to take a long weekend off. Without the labor movement, there would be no weekends, no 8-hour days, few benefits, and no chance for a livable wage. Labor Day celebrates the history of organizing for justice and pushing to move the country forward.
As we observe this Labor Day, we should also recognize what Democrats are doing right now to support working Americans. Under Democratic leadership, the U.S. economy has created more than 13 million jobs since President Biden took office. And with the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law one year ago, it has become clear that millions of American workers will benefit and are benefiting from high-quality jobs in growing sectors, like alternative energy construction.
A recent report from the U.S. Treasury Department concludes that strengthening unions is both beneficial for individual workers and for the country as a whole. “Importantly,” says the report, “the positive effects of unions are not only experienced by workers at unionized establishments. Other workers see increases in wages and improved work practices as their nonunionized workplaces compete with unionized ones for labor. In turn, the higher pay and job security of both unionized and nonunionized middle-class workers can further spill over to their families and communities through more stable housing, more investment in education, and other channels.”
Democrats are building an economy that works for all – from the middle out – and we are consistently standing up and fighting to empower workers to achieve good jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Enjoy your weekend, brought to you by organized labor!
Join us and other Democrats this weekend for parades in Buffalo Grove and Zion. Details are in the events list below.
–Lauren Beth Gash
Chair, Lake County Democrats
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Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart wished a happy early Labor Day to all his friends at the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor. Rinehart posted about a great meeting (above) with the Federation last week, “talking about how we can all work together to secure economic security and workplace safety for all communities and all families in Lake County.” |
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Many Thanks to Summer Interns
Thank you to the dozens of hardworking Democratic summer interns for all your help. Interns conducted research projects, analyzed voter data, staffed events for elected officials, walked in tons of parades, and so much more. These young, enthusiastic people significantly amplify Democratic impact across the 10th Congressional District – in McHenry, Cook, and Lake Counties – and we’re grateful for their energy in working to make Lake County and the world a better place.
Record-Setting Heat Prompted Many Schools to Close Last Week
Climate change is here. A record-setting heat wave caused some school districts in Lake County to cancel in-person classes and after-school activities to keep students and staff safe. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2023 report stated the median global temperature is already 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
This means extreme weather events such as large wildfires, extreme droughts, and extreme flooding are becoming more common. These extremes led the American Medical Association to declare that climate change is now a health emergency, putting countless people at risk of negative health impacts, and even death.
A new study by the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that the top 10 percent of income earners are responsible for a whopping 40 percent of our emissions. Now you know who right-wingers are protecting when they oppose climate change legislation.
There is good news. A year ago, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. It is the single biggest investment in climate change mitigation strategies in the history of the U.S. The independent Rhodium Group released an assessment earlier this year which predicts the Inflation Reduction Act could reduce emissions by 48%. And President Biden’s race-to-the-top approach is expected to spur more research in other countries, magnifying the effects of this law.
Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote on August 7, 2022, to move the legislation to President Biden’s desk and on August 16, he signed it. Electing and re-electing Democrats is critical to this progress.
Show Off Your Support for Lake Dems!
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Collecting petition signatures? Going to the grocery store? Going to a wedding?? Show your support for Democrats by wearing this high-quality buckle-back embroidered hat with our Lake Dems logo prominently displayed front and center.
These baseball caps look great on everyone, and you can get one if you donate $20 or more (always welcome). You can pick up your hats or we’ll mail them for a small fee of $5. Order your Lake Dems hat today: lakedems.org/hats. |
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Event Boosts State Senator Adriane Johnson
Supporters in Waukegan’s Bowen Park enjoyed both the sunshine and the shade of a festive party tent at the August 27 reception for State Senator Adriane Johnson.
State Senator Adriane Johnson (in middle in white dress) chatted with supporters at the event.
State Representative Rita Mayfield and State Senator Adriane Johnson were joined by event organizers.
Elected Officials Help Out at Fort2Base Race
Jake Kaplan, District Director for Congressman Brad Schneider’s office, was among runners at the annual run to honor the Armed Forces. Local elected officials handed out water to the runners.
Lake Dems Join Indivisible in Lindenhurst Parade
Lake County Democrats, Indivisible Western Lake County, Lake Villa Dems, and Antioch Dems came out in force at the Lindenfest Parade. They were joined by Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, Clerk of the Circuit Court Erin Cartwright Weinstein, and Illinois State Representative Joyce Mason.
Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers.
Thanks to Brendan Stewart, Carl Renouard, and Brian Prigge for their invaluable help with Connection Canvassing logistics. We are grateful for their help in this important voter outreach initiative.
Do you want to help give out flyers and other material to your Democratic neighbors? Contact us at info@lakedems.org and these guys will make it happen.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Court Rejects Crimo Jr.’s Move to Dismiss Reckless Conduct Case Arising from Highland Park Shooting
Fox News Apologizes to Gold Star Family After Facing Backlash Over False Story
Lake County to Hold Community Meeting on Broadband Access and Digital Equity
Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, SEP. 2
Summer Block Party in Park City. 8am-5pm, Park City. More.
SUNDAY, SEP. 3
Walk with Vernon Dems, Lake Dems, and More in the Buffalo Grove Days Parade. Gather by 10:30am, step off at 11am, Buffalo Grove. More.
MONDAY, SEP. 4
Walk with Lake County Democrats and Elected Officials in the Zion Labor Day Parade. Gather at spot 12/13 by 12:30pm, step off at 1pm, Zion. More.
TUESDAY, SEP. 5
Petition Kickoff Fundraiser for State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen. 5:30-7:30pm, Round Lake Beach. More.
WEDNESDAY, Sep. 6
Congressman Brad Schneider Hosts Service Academy Information Night. From 6-7:30pm, Lincolnshire. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now, (individual: $35/couples $60 – though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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