COFI

Mission Accomplished!

Although we’ve gotten pretty good at Zoom meetings over the last year, turning our annual Moms on a Mission Lobby Day into a 100% virtual event presented even more new challenges. But thanks to the dedication, hard work, and collective strength of COFI/POWER-PAC Illinois parent leaders and organizers, we did it!

Zoom screenshot of smiling parent leaders and community organizers during Moms on a Mission, some are holding up rally signs

The Zoom event connected 150 parents, grandparents, and children with Illinois State Senators, Representatives, and other legislative staff throughout the day. As in previous years, parent leaders urged lawmakers to stand up for children and family rights in Illinois and shared their stories and expertise with legislators on various issues, including:

  • Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to include immigrant families and unpaid caregivers
  • Utility affordability initiatives, including increasing access to the PIPP program and Governor Pritzker’s energy proposal

Click here for the full POWER-PAC Illinois 2021 Legislative Agenda in English and Spanish.

Parent leaders brought their A-game—their courage, passion, and energy were palpable. Michelle Morton and Liliana Olayo, Co-Presidents of POWER-PAC, were superb event chairs, keeping everyone’s spirits lifted throughout the day. Over and over again, in the different breakout sessions, legislators expressed their appreciation for the parents’ voices and powerful stories, and many made commitments to ongoing dialogue and support. As Liliana said triumphantly at the closing rally, “Mission accomplished!”
POWER-PAC Co-President Liliana Olayo excitedly saying "mission accomplished!"

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