by Jacqui Guillen | Nov 3, 2025 | In the Media, Kane County
As the federal government shutdown continues, the federal administration threatened not to pay SNAP benefits on November 1. SNAP helps nearly 42 million Americans afford nutritious food essentials. COFI and POWER-PAC IL Nelly Paredes spoke to Telemundo Chicago about...
by Jacqui Guillen | Sep 23, 2025 | East St. Louis, In the Media
In 2018, East St. Louis Parent Leaders (Parents United for Change – PUFC) won historic legislation when HB5195 passed, ensuring all students in District 189 would receive free school bus services. However, parents and community members have been seeing...
by Jacqui Guillen | Aug 21, 2025 | Elementary Justice, In the Media, Legislation
COFI-trained parents joined the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and partners to celebrate Safe Schools for All (House Bill 3247), a new law that protects free education to all students, regardless of immigration status! COFI-trained leaders...
by Jacqui Guillen | Aug 1, 2025 | In the Media, Stepping Out of Poverty
A coalition of parents, community members, funders, and nonprofits achieved a major policy victory in 2024 when the first-ever child tax credit was passed in Illinois. It took nearly three years, but it’s a testament to the power of coalition-based advocacy and...
by Jacqui Guillen | May 24, 2024 | Elementary Justice, In the Media
COFI and POWER-PAC IL parents joined Chief of Safety and Security Jadine Chou and the Whole School Safety Steering Committee on May 23 to present a safety plan to the Chicago Board of Education – and it was voted through for public comment! The plan emphasizes...
by Jacqui Guillen | May 9, 2024 | In the Media, Stepping Out of Poverty
Liliana Olayo, COFI Board Member and Co-Chair of POWER-PAC IL’s Health, Food, and Recess Campaign, spoke to WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal about the proposed state Child Tax Credit. She said, “You have to choose between paying bills, paying your rent, or feeding your family. I...
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