Parent leaders from Parents Organized to Win, Educate and Renew – Policy Action Council (POWER-PAC), trained by Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI), know the economic hardship and negative consequences of unjust fines and fees disproportionately affecting their communities and they are working together to end the cycles of poverty and debt! In Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, POWER-PAC leaders are engaged in their Stepping Out of Poverty (STOP) Campaign and serving on many different working groups, collaboratives, task forces, and councils.
Their main initiatives include:
- Decreasing utility costs and improving utility debt payment programs
- Advancing the “License to Work Act”, making it harder for driver’s licenses to be suspended
- Continuing and expanding the piloting of Children’s Savings Accounts (CSAs)
- Working to decrease fees, fines, and debt associated with health access, public housing, and more
Through relationships with city officials, local policy organizations, and community partners, POWER-PAC leaders are bringing their voices to decision-making tables and building financial stability for their families. Keep up the great work, POWER-PAC!
