Press Room

For media inquiries, contact Dawn Raftery at dawnraftery@povertylaw.org. See our most recent press releases below.

Filter : Fair Workplaces

Despite threats at the federal level to cut essential anti-poverty programs, our mission to advance economic and racial justice remains steadfast. In our 2025 legislative plan for Illinois, we continue to build on decades of success in Springfield. Read our full list of proposed bills that help create a state where everyone can thrive.

Many individuals living in poverty are working more than one job, yet still struggle to make ends meet. People employed in low-wage or part-time positions are caught in a cycle where their earnings fall short of covering basic needs like food, utilities, and rent. Their reality of juggling multiple jobs challenges the narrative that poverty is a result of personal shortcomings.

Our 2024 Illinois advocacy agenda supports and protects workers, expands access to health care, promotes inclusive housing, and keeps families strong and stable. 

Before the Pulitzer prize and the MacArthur Genius award, the acclaimed author was a kid who grew up poor in Arizona.

Workers in Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois will benefit from some significant wins in 2024. The wins are especially important for workers with low income, who are disproportionately women and people of color and the least likely to have paid time off of any kind.

Everyone should have basic workplace protections so that they can sustain themselves financially, be healthy, and be able to take care of their family.

Wendy Pollack, the director of the Shriver Center's Women’s Law and Policy Initiative began her career working as a union carpenter.

To receive the latest news and information from the Shriver Center