Wednesday, June 12, 2024

In this Issue: Democrats Defending Democracy Reception June 13 Featuring J.D. Van Slyke, Chicago 2024 Host Committee Volunteer Coordinator ● June is Immigrant Heritage Month ● Lake County Board Candidate Michael J. Conway’s Campaign Kickoff ● A Democratic Intern’s View: State Rep. Bob Morgan's Town Hall Event  ● Bragging About the Biden Administration’s Economic Policy Successes ● Lake Dems and Tenth Dems Host Presidential Debate Watch Party ● Volunteers for the Democratic National Convention — Official Application Available ● Lake Dems Out and About ● Volunteer Spotlight: Lake Dems Needs 4th of July Parade Volunteer Coordinators ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events ● More Photos from Last Week's Events

We’re excited that J.D. Van Slyke, Deputy Director of Civic and Community Engagement for the Chicago 2024 Host Committee will be our featured speaker on Thursday, June 13, at the Lake Dems Annual Democrats Defending Democracy Reception. In his role, he is working to recruit and deploy 12,000 volunteers at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Now more than ever, we need to defend our democracy from right-wing extremists trying to destroy it. We hope you'll join our Democratic elected officials, candidates, and like-minded friends as we gear up for the fight ahead. 

Individual tickets are $40 and sponsorships are available. Space is limited. To RSVP: lakedems.org/democracy. Join us for fascinating conversation, appetizers, and desserts. Open to Democrats.

We hope to see you there!

June is a time to remember who we are and where we came from, including the stories of those who immigrated here or whose ancestors did. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) continues to provide free, accessible legal services to those facing immigration challenges – from DACA renewals and deportation defense to asylum seekers and beyond. 

Every family has an immigration story or knows someone who is an immigrant. Share your story, or read the stories of others, at NSLAC’s website. State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl shares her story here:

“In 1949, my father Abe immigrated to America with his older brother David (pictured here) and their parents, Aron and Suri Katz, who were both Holocaust survivors. With the assistance of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), they settled in Indianapolis and then in Chicago. For Immigrant Heritage Month, I honor all those who journey to America in search of a better life for their families.”

For more read President Biden’s White House Proclamation on National Immigrant Heritage Month, 2024.

An energetic and enthusiastic crowd came out to Lake Villa as Michael J. Conway kicked off his campaign for election as the Lake County Board Member for District 5. Lake Dems is grateful to have such an amazing candidate running for this board seat.

By Becca Stone

On June 6, 58th District State Representative Bob Morgan hosted a town hall at the Highwood Library & Community Center in Highwood. This revamped venue (thanks in large part to the work of Morgan and other Democrats) impressed many in the crowd, who gathered to discuss a range of issues. 

Representative Morgan recapped the recently passed state budget. Bob noted how different that process was from the three and a half years of impasse created by the former Republican administration. 

Repeating the adage that "a budget is your values," he described how, thanks to Democrats, Illinois is prioritizing healthcare, education, and human rights. With respect to education, Rep. Morgan explained that evidence-based funding leads to better results for schools and more equity. For example, schools receiving more funding and resources can reduce class sizes.

During the Q&A session, Rep. Morgan said he supports investment in CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement), which provides better living conditions than the previously existing centers. He hopes Illinois will move faster toward changes to improve the protection and support of the disabled. This was personal to Bob, who told the audience his own brother is among those who need such care. 

When discussing healthcare, he expressed concerns about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in denying health insurance claims.

Bob made it clear that there is definitely more to do. In addition to AI, automation in various aspects of everyday life presents challenges. He was eager to point out that we can make even more progress in Illinois on gun violence prevention. And all of this work is done thanks to our democracy, something we must continue to protect.

To me, State Representative Bob Morgan came across as caring deeply about his district and making sure its most vulnerable communities are supported by local and state governments.

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the May jobs report which showed the economy added 272,000 jobs last month. The unemployment rate remains so historically low at 4% that even Forbes said, “These are very strong numbers, especially this far into an economic recovery. The White House took a justified victory lap.” President Biden noted that “unemployment has been at or below 4% for 30 months—the longest stretch in 50 years.” An all-time record!

In addition to these great numbers, wages went up for a year-over-year increase of 4%, nearly 20% higher than inflation in the same period.

This economy keeps on winning. Ensure your economic progress and spread the word about this good news. Let’s redouble our efforts to elect Joe Biden and Democrats up and down the ballot in November. 

When: Thursday, June 27, 2024. The debate begins at 8:00pm. Join us for dinner (available for purchase) before the debate if you’d like! Doors open at 6:30pm.

Where: Half Day Brewing, 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire

What: The first presidential debate is scheduled for Thursday, June 27. Join the Lake Dems and Tenth Dems Presidential Debate Watch Party as we cheer on President Biden. The debate begins at 8:00pm. And join us for dinner (available for purchase) before the debate if you’d like! Doors open at 6:30pm. Hope to see you there! Register here.

This is an exciting time for Democrats all over the country, but especially in our area. The last time the Democratic National Convention came to Chicago was 1996! The convention will be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle as Democrats get fired up and let others know what's at stake when they vote.  

We’re excited that J.D. Van Slyke, Deputy Director of Civic and Community Engagement for the Chicago 2024 Host Committee will be our featured speaker on Thursday, June 13.

You can be a part of history by volunteering at the Democratic National Convention. Sign up here by June 30, https://chicago2024.com/volunteer. When you sign up, you'll see a dropdown menu. You can write in "Lauren Beth Gash" under "Neighborhood Ambassador" and "Lake County Democrats" for the "Organization."

We love to include event photos in our newsletter! To be considered for inclusion, please send yours to info@lakedems.org with a brief description of the event. Have an event coming up? To submit future events for consideration for our website and emails go to lakedems.org/submit-an-event.

Ela Township Democrats June Meeting Potluck

State Rep. Nabeela Syed was the featured speaker at last week’s Ela Township Dems potluck.

Lake Dems Booth at Lake County Pride Fest

Rain and cold weather did not stop Lake Dems from turning out to celebrate Pride at Lake County PrideFest in Round Lake Beach on Saturday.

Walking with Lake Dems in the PFLAG Pride Parade in Grayslake

The celebration continued as loads of Lake County Democrats gathered to celebrate Pride in Grayslake Sunday.

See more event photos at the end of this newsletter.

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you're interested in helping.

Lake Dems Needs 4th of July Parade Volunteer Coordinators

July 4th parades are almost here, and we’d love for you to

join us! Each parade needs Lake Dems parade coordinators to direct our volunteers to their positions and assign participants to carry banners, pass out pencils and literature, and of course, candy!! Wear blue if you can. If you want to help, or would like a Lake Dems t-shirt or hat, email info@lakedems.org.

President Biden Delivers Remarks at Everytown’s Gun Sense University

Lake County Approves Intergovernmental Agreements Toward 9-1-1 Consolidation

WEDNESDAY, JUN. 12

State Rep. Laura Faver Dias’ Booth at Grayslake Farmers Market. 3:00pm, Grayslake. More.

Fremont Township Democrats June Meeting. 6:00pm, Mundelein and online via Zoom. More.

THURSDAY, JUN. 13

Democrats Defending Democracy Reception Hosted by Lake Dems. 5:30, Mundelein. More.

FRIDAY, JUN. 14

Libertyville Township Dems Booth at Libertyville Days Festival. 12:00pm, Libertyville. More.

Fundraiser Screening of Documentary, “Memorial,” in Honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month. 7:00pm, Highland Park. More.

SATURDAY, JUN. 15

Lake Dems Walking with Libertyville Township Democrats in the Libertyville Days Parade. Line up 9:00am, Libertyville. More.

Rep. Joyce Mason Shred Day. 9:00am, Gurnee. More.

Libertyville Township Dems Booth at Libertyville Days Festival.11:00am, Libertyville. More.

Second Annual McHenry County Juneteenth Festival. 3:00pm, Woodstock. More.

MONDAY, JUN. 17

Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Walk. 5:00pm, Grayslake. More.

TUESDAY, JUN. 18

Reception with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Earnest. Time to be announced, Winnetka. More.

WEDNESDAY, JUN. 19

Juneteenth Celebration at England Manor African American Museum. 2:00pm, Waukegan. More.

For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/eventslakedems.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.