Help Working Families Move Out of Poverty
Urge your Illinois legislators to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to make the Illinois tax code fairer for working families who live in poverty.
Tell Legislators to Make the 5% Income Tax Rate Permanent
Our children, families and communities are in grave danger. Losing around $2 billion in revenue would force unprecedented, disastrous cuts to education and human services.
Update on CRS' 2014 Legislative Platform for Renewal
We are more than halfway through the Illinois General Assembly's Spring Session, which is scheduled to adjourn on May 31, 2014. Thanks to your advocacy, momentum is building for CRS' 2014 Legislative Platform.
Imminent Victory for the Fair Tax
Fiscal cliff, flat tax, fair tax -- everyone in Illinois is talking about these issues. As the May 1 deadline approaches, we frame our fair tax commitment with the principles of fairness and justice. Now more than ever, we need you to take action.
Legislative Progress for Low-Income Families
Two bills currently being considered--one in Springfield and the other in Washington--could, if enacted, result in positive benefits for low-income families.
2014 Legislative Session Begins
The budget process is likely to dominate this session. A portion of the temporary income tax increase will expire in 2015 resulting in an estimated $1.6 billion drop in state revenue. It’s also an election year..
Taxes Aren't Fair
Illinois' current flat tax system is unfair and not really flat. Taxpayers in the lowest 20 percent pay almost 14 cents on the dollar in state and local taxes while those in the top 1 percent pay only 5 cents. Justice calls us to the fair tax campaign.
Platform for Renewal 2013-2014
Identified by our member congregations, the issues for Community Renewal Society's 2013-2014 Platform for Renewal direct our policy and organizing work. Join us as--together--we put our faith in action for the common good by advocating for education reform through a fair tax, affordable housing, violence reduction, and job opportunities for ex-offenders and long-term unemployed workers.
Reclaiming Justice
The money that we spend on keeping people in the Cook County Jail wastes taxpayer dollars, damages lives, and does nothing to stop the violence in our communities. That's why we have launched the Reclaim Campaign.
Russell Cunningham: Join the Reclaim Campaign
Russell Cunningham, a CRS leader and member of the Reclaim Campaign from First Baptist Congregational Church in Chicago, gave the following testimony at the Reclaim Campaign Launch on November 7, 2013.
Mandatory Minimums Don't Work
Join us in calling on members of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor to oppose SB 1342 and any new legislation that expands mandatory minimums or enhances Illinois’ already harsh sentencing policies.
Smart on Crime
We need to be "smart" rather than "tough" on crime to reduce violence. SB 1342 takes a counterproductive, piecemeal approach to gun violence.
The Affordable Care Act -- Need Help?
Are you wondering how the Affordable Care Act will affect you, your faith institution and your community? The Campaign for Better Health Care's In-Person Counselors can help.
Bills Now Law
Good news! Governor Quinn has signed most of our 2013 legislative priorities into law.
New Gun Laws in Illinois
Over the past year, Community Renewal Society advocated for common-sense anti-trafficking gun measures. We are disappointed in the new concealed carry law enacted by the IL General Assembly because it lacks many safeguards.
Spring 2013 Legislative Summary
Thanks to advocates like you, and in concert with our amazing Advocacy Network members, congregational organizers, and coalition partners, we have good news to report from this year’s session.
Passed and Pending
With less than two weeks left in the regular legislative session, we are in the final home stretch. PCG is pleased to share a couple of successes with you, as well as update you on pending legislation that you can take action on now.