Reflections From the Coalition on ISBE’s FY24 ECBG RFP Process
Raising Illinois asks our program partners for their perspectives on the FY24 ECBG RFP process
Read MoreSpring 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up
Spring Legislative Wrap-Up Major strides, but some setbacks, for infants, toddlers, and expecting families at the General Assembly In the early morning of Saturday, May 27, the 103rd General Assembly adjourned this year’s spring legislative session. Most significantly, lawmakers passed the final budget for Fiscal Year 2024, including nearly $300 million in new investments for…
Read MoreRaising Illinois’ Response to the Approved Illinois Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget
Raising Illinois applauds the General Assembly for approving an FY24 budget aligned with Smart Start Illinois
Read MoreEarly Childhood Advocacy Day 2023
Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2023 Advocates like you made the day a success! Thank you! On April 18, Raising Illinois along with our partners at Child Care For All, COFI, Illinois Action for Children, SEIU, Start Early and We, the Village brought over 300 advocates down to Springfield to advocate for Illinois’ youngest learners. Advocates…
Read MoreBabies Can’t Wait Postcard Update
Your Stories: “Babies Can’t Wait” Postcards Delivered Over 100 Illinois families have shared their Early Intervention stories with us so far–read their powerful postcards below! Earlier this year, Raising Illinois launched our Babies Can’t Wait postcard campaign to hear from families about the impact that Early Intervention (EI) has had on their children, and their…
Read MoreIn Aurora, Renewed Focus on PN3 Needs
In Aurora, Renewed Focus on PN3 Needs SPARK, a member of our coalition, launches Bright Beginnings Raising Illinois is grateful that SPARK is a proud member of our Coalition! SPARK (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten) is an education initiative of Fox Valley United Way. This collaboration includes Fox Valley United Way; the city of…
Read MoreRaising Illinois’ Response to Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2024 Budget
Raising Illinois applauds the Smart Start Illinois initiative proposed by Governor Pritzker in his FY24 Budget Address
Read MoreAn Interview with Family Leader Mykela Collins
An Interview with Family Leader Mykela Collins Family Leader Mykela Collins was recently featured in a SchoolHouse Connection webinar that accompanied the release of their new report on infant/toddler homelessness and access to early learning. We interviewed her about why this issue is so close to her heart. Why did you agree to get involved…
Read MoreCelebrating Illinois Child Support Reform
Celebrating Illinois Child Support Reform Niya Kelly, Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity and Transformation at Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, provides an update on child support reform in Illinois Last month, the 102nd Illinois General Assembly passed the Second FY 2023 Budget Implementation Act (SB 1720). This legislation includes language to end the twenty-six-year-old…
Read MoreWorking Parents & Caregivers in Illinois Are Finally Guaranteed Paid Time Off
The Paid Leave For All Workers Act ensures working caregivers in Illinois are guaranteed paid time off
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