August 9, 2023
In this Issue: Pritzker Signs Bills Honoring Ancestry of Native Americans in Illinois ● Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega Announces Over $3.1 Million in Distributions to Local Taxing Districts ● The Rain in Moraine Didn’t Stop Moraine Dems’ Annual Party With Our Party ● Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun While Helping Protect Democratic Values ● Lake Dems Volunteers Participate in Parades Last Week ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Pritzker Signs Bills Honoring Ancestry of Native Americans in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker signed three bills offering increased protections for Native and Indigenous Illinoisans. HB3413, the Human Remains Protection Act, establishes procedures for encountering human remains or gravesites and returning remains to Native American Nations. SB1446 protects the rights of Illinois students to wear accessories that reflect cultural, religious, or ethnic heritage at graduation ceremonies. HB1633 mandates instruction on Native American history in Illinois public schools.
Unlike states which are explicitly attempting to downplay the horrific act of slavery and prevent teachers from properly teaching history (such as Florida), “Illinois is proving that the government is capable of reflecting on the harmful past and planning for the future that respects and celebrates our interconnectedness,” said Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
Read the full press release here.
Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega Announces Over $3.1 Million in Distributions to Local Taxing Districts
Shortly before Memorial Day, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega learned about funds that former (Republican) Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor had neglected to distribute to the Lake County Community. These funds were part of the redemption and greenbook process–the payment of back taxes and proceeds from the sale of tax-foreclosed properties–going back to fiscal year 2019.
He immediately directed staff to reconcile records and return the funds to the school districts and hundreds of other Lake County taxing bodies to which they were owed. As a result, last week he announced that the distribution of over $3.1 million in outstanding funds has begun.
Expected to be completed by the end of August, these include:
- $260,640.46 to Waukegan Community Unit School District #60
- $177,314.46 to Antioch School District #34
- $169,459.49 to North Chicago Community Unit School District #187
- $141,144.66 to Round Lake Area School District #116
- $118,152.88 to Lake Zurich Community Unit School District #95
Thank you Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, the County Assessor’s Office, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, and the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, for their hard work on behalf of Lake County taxpayers!
Click here to read the full press release.
The Rain in Moraine Didn’t Stop Moraine Dems’ Annual Party With Our Party
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On Sunday, August 6, Moraine Township Democrats met in a lovely backyard with numerous candidates and volunteers for an afternoon of sharing their mutual excitement about organizing for the 2024 election cycle.
The drizzle did not dampen anyone’s spirits. Our hostess, Highland Park City Council Member Annette Lidawer opened the party by describing the gathering in her backyard as “a true community of neighbors.”
The speakers in attendance included State Senator Julie Morrison, Lake countywide elected officials Sheriff John Idleburg, Treasurer Holly Kim, County Clerk Anthony Vega, Circuit Court Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein, and most of the members of the Highland Park City Council.
Elected officials acknowledged that the support provided by Moraine Township Democrats made a significant difference in their campaigns. Thanks to their, efforts in the November 2022 election, Moraine Township had the highest voter turnout in the county (64.4%), as well as the highest percentage of Democratic voters (79.5%).
Now, how can you make an impact?
- By walking your neighborhood and canvassing.
- By speaking about the common values that Democrats all share.
- By refusing to take things for granted.
Speakers recognized that Democrats throughout the district have worked hard and successfully turned several areas that were staunchly “red” Republican to Democrat “blue.” Those gains could easily disappear during the next election cycle. MAGA Republicans are determined at any cost to support one man and what he represents, not the majority of the people and the shared values that help communities flourish.
Our shared values and the vision we have for our communities and our country inspire us to get ready and organize. This can happen, one backyard at a time.
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Attendees included, (pictured above l-r) Highland Park City Councilmember and event hostess Annette Lidawer, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, and Highland Park City Councilmembers Andrés Tapia, Yumi Ross, and Kim Stone.
Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun While Helping Protect Democratic Values
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Show off your Lake Dems support with a high-quality buckle-back embroidered hat with our logo on it!
Perfect for parades, picnics, and petition-gathering events (or even just grocery shopping). These cute baseball caps look great on everyone and are available for a $20 donation (additional donations are always welcome). Pick-up is available or we will mail them for a small fee. Get ahead of the game! Order your Lake Dems hat today: lakedems.org/hats. |
Lake Dems Volunteers Walk in Parades Last Week
Lake Forest Community Days Parade
North Chicago Community Days Parade
Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.
Sheldon Rosenfeld, a longtime Moraine Dems Precinct Committeeperson (PC), is one of our most energetic volunteers. He can always be counted on to lend a hand—or two. And both feet. Eighty-eight years young, Sheldon came early to help our Democratic summer interns and others set up for last weekend’s Moraine Dems fundraiser. He helped move tables and chairs, place banners, and plant yard signs. Sheldon also is typically one of the first PCs to finish walking their precinct. And then he calls around to see who needs help walking theirs. Thank you, Sheldon!
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Illinois to Ban Advertising for Guns Allegedly Marketed to Kids and Militants
Monthly Covid Deaths at an All-time Low in Illinois
But, but, but: There’s a Covid Uptick, and a New Vaccine is Coming in the Fall
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Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, AUG. 12
Lake County AfroFest 23. 2:30pm, North Chicago. More.
SUNDAY, AUG. 13
Walk in the Gurnee Days Parade with Warren Dems, Lake Dems, and Lake County Democratic Elected Officials. Gather at 11:30am, step off at noon, Gurnee. More.
Holly Kim and Erin Cartwright Weinstein’s 2nd Annual Luau. 2pm, Gurnee. More.
MONDAY, AUG. 14
Beers with Brad in Winnetka. 6pm, Winnetka. More.
TUESDAY, AUG. 15
Lake County Diversion & Deflection Series, Part 3: Juvenile Justice. 6pm, resource fair begins at 5:15pm, North Chicago. More.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16
Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Brunch with U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Doors open 7:30am, brunch 9-11am, Springfield. More.
Indivisible Western Lake County (IWLC) August Meeting. 7pm, Lindenhurst. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
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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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