by Darius Vinesar | Nov 21, 2025 | Stepping Out of Poverty
Parent-Led Victories Discount Rates Maintained A victory for families! Through the advocacy and organizing efforts of COFI and POWER-PAC IL, National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and Legal Action Chicago, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) upheld the discount...
by COFI Admin | Aug 20, 2025 | Stepping Out of Poverty, Utilities
COFI-trained parents in POWER-PAC IL, along with our partners at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and Legal Action Chicago, just won a huge victory for downstate Illinois Ameren Electric customers! On Aug. 7, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced...
by Jacqui Guillen | Aug 10, 2025 | Stepping Out of Poverty, Utilities
Elgin Leaders Susana, Esther, and Erika attended the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) public forum on August 7 to say “No!” to more gas rate increases. The forum focused on Nicor’s proposed gas rate increase. All three shared powerful testimonies during...
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 | Jul 16, 2025 | Stepping Out of Poverty, Utilities
Chicago Parent Leader Sherita Hamlin and other COFI-trained parents are calling on lawmakers to create stronger oversight for utility companies that constantly seek rate increases. They are also worried about federal funding for programs like Low Income Home Energy...
by Jacqui Guillen | Mar 1, 2025 | Stepping Out of Poverty
Evanston Parent Leader Chanelle Brown spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times and described the incredible impact of parent-led organizing in winning the Illinois Child Tax Credit in 2024. This means that eligible families in Illinois can start benefiting from the credit this...
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