June 21, 2023
In this Issue: ● “Because We Do the Work!” Democrats Defending Democracy Reception ● Ahead of Dobbs Decision Anniversary, Duckworth Reinforces Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Rights ● Tom Maillard and Anthony Vega Re-elected to the Young Democrats of Illinois (YDI) Executive Board ● Lake Dems Had Much to Celebrate at Events in Lake County ● Lake Dems Needs 4th of July Parade Marshals ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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“Because We Do the Work!”
Democrats Defending Democracy Reception
Lake Dems rallied a large group of dedicated and determined Democrats at our 2nd annual Democrats Defending Democracy reception on Flag Day. Attendees included legislators, current, former, and future candidates, financial contributors, volunteers, and Lake County residents who share Democratic values and morals, all fiercely working together to defend democracy.
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch delivered the keynote address. Speaker Welch said he was honored to join Lake Dems on this Flag Day, a day when we commemorate the symbol of our Democracy. He fired up the crowd when he concluded by saying “Democrats are winning across Lake County. And why are we winning? Because we do the work!”
We are so grateful to our inspiring speakers and everyone who attended. Click here to read more about the evening.
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Ahead of Dobbs Decision Anniversary, Duckworth Reinforces Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Rights
June 24 will be one year since the Dobbs Decision overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to drastically restrict access to reproductive health care.
When the decision was handed down last year, Lake Dems Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash issued a statement: “Roe wasn’t the beginning of abortion. And overturning it won’t be the end. It will be the end of safe and legal access to reproductive health care in the majority of states, most likely. And women will die. Republicans promised they would “punish” women for their basic health care decisions, and now states are free to enact their right-wing agenda that turns back the clock on women. Elections have consequences. It’s more important than ever to elect Democrats.”
And we agree with our U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth who works fiercely to protect and expand access to essential reproductive healthcare. She recently visited CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in southern Illinois to learn more about the clinic’s work. CHOICES is one of the closest clinics for Americans in states across the South where access to reproductive health care has been severely restricted after last year’s Supreme Court ruling. Duckworth and the group discussed the intensified need to protect the privacy, emotional well-being, and physical safety of the clinic’s influx of patients, and how the Senator will continue to fight for our reproductive rights at the federal level. Read her full press release here.
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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Worldwide more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
As Lake Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash said, “Dealing with these diseases is devastating to families, including mine.”
Lake Dems hopes that awareness will be raised during June. To join the fight visit the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Tom Maillard and Anthony Vega Re-elected to the Young Democrats of Illinois (YDI) Executive Board
Lake Dems congratulates Tom Maillard and Anthony Vega on their re-election to the YDI Executive Board for a second term! YDI is the official youth organization for the Democratic Party of Illinois that works to engage young people in progressive activism and to foster the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party.
Tom Maillard said, “I am honored to continue serving as the Young Democrats of Illinois National Committeeperson to Young Democrats of America. Our Young Democrats deliver what the late, great John Lewis called ‘good trouble’ and are unlocking the doors of opportunity and progress for communities nationwide. Democrats must continue to advocate for young people’s and everyone’s right to the promises of our Democracy.”
We are so proud that Lake County Democrats hold these statewide positions, and we look forward to the impact this team of young Democrats will make in the future.
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Lake Dems Had Much to Celebrate at Events in Lake County
State Representative Rita Mayfield and others sponsored a Juneteenth African Drum Circle in Waukegan.
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| Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Karner and Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega also attended the Juneteenth Cookout in Zion. | Warren Township Dems Chair Jim Neel and Democratic interns staff a table at the Juneteenth Cookout in Zion. |
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Libertyville Township Democrats, elected officials, and Democratic interns walk in the parade during the Libertyville Days Festival.
Lake County elected officials and candidates join the Juneteenth Journey in Waukegan, a guided bus tour of historic African American sites throughout the area.
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Lake Dems and Democratic candidates support the LGBQT+ community at the Pride Drive and Celebration in Waukegan.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and Congressman Brad Schneider join members of the community at the Juneteenth Youth Celebration in Waukegan June 19.
Lauren Beth Gash helps present State Senator Adriane Johnson with the Diversity and Equity Award at the Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Lake County Juneteenth Commission. Also pictured are Co-Masters of Ceremony Elroy Reed and Glenda Duncan.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.
Thank you to all of the Lake Dems volunteers and Democratic interns who assisted us with our Democrats Defending Democracy reception on June 14. All of our volunteers were amazing. A special thanks to our check-in volunteers Valerie Pape, Joy Anes, and Bobbie Hinden.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Lake County Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Nearly a Year Later, Most Americans Oppose Supreme Court’s Decision Overturning Roe
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias Talks About a New State Law that Protects License Plate Data, (NBC Nightly News)
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Republican Study Committee Budget, (Republican committee’s budget is a devastating attack on Medicare, Social Security, and health care.)
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Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 21
Wauconda Township Democrats June Meeting. 6pm, Wauconda. More.
Indivisible Western Lake County (IWLC) June Meeting with Jennifer Banek. 7pm, Lindenhurst. More.
THURSDAY, JUN. 22
Rep. Laura Faver Dias Summer Celebration. 5pm, Round Lake. More.
An Evening in Support of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. 5:30pm, Chicago. More.
Warren Township Democrats June Meeting with Illinois State Sen. Adriane Johnson. 7pm, Gurnee. More.
SATURDAY, JUN. 24
Brad Schneider’s Congress On Your Corner in Antioch. 11am, location provided upon RSVP. More.
SUNDAY, JUN. 25
Indivisible of Western Lake County (IWLC) Annual BBQ Fundraiser. 1pm, Lake Villa. More.
Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) hosts “A Striking Event” Honoring Mayor Nancy Rotering. 5pm, Highwood. More.
[EVENT POSTPONED] Summer Celebration in Support of Congressman Brad Schneider. 2pm, Gurnee. More.
MONDAY, JUN. 26
Maria Peterson’s Campaign Kick-off for State Representative, District 52. 7pm, Wauconda. More.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 28
Illinois State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen Summer Fundraiser. 6pm, Grayslake. 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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