Wednesday, February 7, 2024
In this Issue: Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim Elected Chair of Illinois Asian American Caucus ● Jill Wine-Banks to Speak in Lake County on Feb. 19 ● Education Group Honors State Senator Adriane Johnson ● Happy Lunar New Year! ● Early Voting Begins Feb. 8 at County Clerk’s Office ● Volunteer Slots Available at the Democratic Convention ● Lake County Officials Attend White House Communities in Action Forum ● Seniors Have a New South Asian Food Option ● Tenth Dems Enjoy a Laugh-Filled Afternoon ● Lake County Democrats Celebrate at Equality Gala in Chicago ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim Elected Chair of Illinois Asian American Caucus
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim has been elected as the new Chair of the Illinois Asian American Caucus. This significant milestone aligns with the Caucus’ mission to empower Asian American communities in Illinois by championing their causes and electing Asian American candidates in city, county, and state legislative races. The Caucus has played a hands-on role in electing more Asian Americans than ever to local and state offices in Illinois.
In times of rising anti-Asian hate incidents during the COVID pandemic, Holly has been a consistent advocate for the needs and concerns of Asian Americans throughout the state. She actively promotes her Korean American culture through inclusive and educational initiatives spanning Lake County.
Expressing gratitude for her new role, Holly said, “I am honored to run with the baton as Chair of the Illinois Asian American Caucus. My commitment lies in collaboration, advocating for statewide inclusivity, and ensuring the voices of our diverse community are not only acknowledged but amplified. Together, we will strive toward a more equitable future for all.”
Jill Wine-Banks to Speak in Lake County on Feb. 19
Lake Dems made a real difference in the last election cycle and it is important that we refill our county party’s coffers. We hope we can count on you to support this event. Cable news commentator Jill Wine-Banks is an amazing and entertaining speaker, and we’re so excited to have her as our keynoter. It’s no wonder our event featuring her sold out last year. She is back by popular demand.
Seats are going fast. Join Lake Dems at the Doubletree Mundelein, 510 E. IL 83, Mundelein, 5:30 to 7:30pm, for heavy appetizers and drinks. Tickets are $75 – discount available for two. Veterans and student tickets are $50. Host committee sponsorships are available. Learn more at LakeDems.org/Jill.
Education Group Honors State Senator Adriane Johnson
Illinois State Sen. Adriane Johnson receives her Legislator of the Year Award from the ED-RED advocacy group.
Lake County’s own State Senator Adriane Johnson recently received the Legislator of the Year Award from ED-RED, an education advocacy group, for her tireless work promoting policies that focus on students and what works best for them.
ED-RED represents suburban Chicago school districts. It advocates for improvements to the educational system, including support for fully funding state mandates.
In the last legislative session, Sen. Johnson passed two important ED-RED initiatives into law: the Community College Remediation Data Sharing as well as the Student Protections in Tenure Dismissal Hearings. Both of these laws prioritize students and support the school districts serving them.
Sen. Johnson is the first Black state senator from Lake County. She is the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, where she oversees legislative measures impacting education. In this capacity, Sen. Johnson is a powerful advocate for the children of Lake County.
Happy Lunar New Year on February 10!
Early Voting Begins Feb. 8 at County Clerk’s Office
Voters wanting an early start on the March 19 Primary Election may vote at the Lake County Clerk’s office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, starting Thursday, Feb. 8.
Countywide early voting begins on March 4. View all early voting locations here.
Volunteer Slots Available at the Democratic Convention
Want to help with the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer? It’s a showcase for Illinois and will help carry Democrats to victory in 2024.
Thousands of volunteers will be needed to make the convention a success. To volunteer for one shift, a daily commitment, or something in between at the Democratic National Convention (August 19 to 24), sign up here: chicago2024.com/volunteer.
The Chicago Host Committee will follow up in the weeks and months to come. Volunteers will need to pass a background check and fill out a questionnaire about their skills.
Lake County Board Chair Attends White House Communities in Action Forum
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart attended an event at the White House to discuss the positive impacts of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda for communities in Illinois and Indiana. At the event, Chair Hart showcased some of the work that Lake County is doing with the $135.2 million the county received in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
She discussed the Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative which is one of the many American Rescue Plan Act-funded programs the county has invested in, among other issues. Read more here.
Seniors Have a New South Asian Food Option
Those celebrating the grand opening of a new weekly program serving South Asian food included (second from left) Vaseem Iftekar, Chair of the Northern Illinois American Muslim Alliance; Lake Dems Vice Chair Nancy Shepherdson; Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim; and State Rep. Joyce Mason.
Democratic officials helped launch a new program to bring a low-cost South Asian lunch and entertainment to Lake County. Anyone age 60+ is eligible for a weekly meal at Biryani Pointe restaurant in Gurnee for $6.00 through the program sponsored by the American Association of Retired Asians. The meal will be served every Wednesday between noon and 3:00pm.
Volunteers are needed to help check in the senior diners and serve the meals. Call 630-915-5277 to volunteer or to learn more.
Lake Dems Attend Events
Tenth Dems Enjoy a Laugh-Filled Afternoon
Almost 100 Tenth Dems members and friends laughed along with the Capitol Fools comedy troupe’s matinee performance last Sunday at Skokie’s North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. The political talk and camaraderie continued during dinner next door at Jameson’s Charhouse.
Lake County Democrats Celebrate at Equality Gala in Chicago
Lake County Democrats were out in force at the Equality Illinois Gala at the Hilton Chicago to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ rights.
Illinois State Representatives Joyce Mason and Laura Faver Dias join the fun.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl (Lake County’s newest representative), and Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega were among the many officeholders at the Gala.
State Representative Laura Faver Dias enjoys the camaraderie.
Striking a pose (from left) are Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Ken Peterson, State Representative Candidate Maria Peterson, Lake County Democrats Chair Lauren Beth Gash, Lake County Board Candidate Hilary Winiarz, Lake County Board member Carissa Casbon, and State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Column: State law which erased cash bail appears to be working (Chicago Tribune and Lake County News-Sun)
The Story Behind Black History Month, And Why It’s the Shortest Month of the Year (The Root)
30 Things Joe Biden Did As President You Might Have Missed (Politico Magazine)
Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, FEB. 8
Warren-Newport Public Library Black History Month Celebration. 3:00 to 5:00pm, Gurnee. More.
FRIDAY, FEB. 9
Frederick Douglass Traveling Exhibition in Waukegan. 10:00am to 6:00pm. Last day. More.
SATURDAY, FEB. 10
Holly Kim’s 2024 Lunar New Year Celebration. Noon to 2:00pm, Waukegan. More.
Drop the Mic – Black History Month Creative Celebration. 4:00 to 7:00pm, Waukegan. More.
SUNDAY, FEB. 11
Vance Wyatt Annual Super Bowl Party. 5:00 to 10:00pm, North Chicago. More.
MONDAY, FEB. 12
Antioch & Grant Township Democrats February Meeting. 6:30 to 8:00pm, Lake Villa. Guest speaker: Erin Cartwright Weinstein, Clerk of the Circuit Court. More.
MONDAY, FEB. 19
Lake Dems Presidents’ Day Fundraiser with Jill Wine-Banks. 5:30 to 7:30pm, Mundelein. 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..
