Poor People’s Campaign Continues

By Neal Waltmire
18.05.21 Poor Peoples Campaign 01_580

18.05.21 Poor Peoples Campaign 01_580

Hundreds of SEIU Healthcare members have been taking part in actions as part of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. The campaign calls a moral revival throughout the country with state-based, non-violent direct action to address systemic poverty, racism, poverty, ecological devastation.

The #PoorPeoplesCampaign’s 40 days of action continues today with a focus on how poor people are denied access to the healthcare they need.

A few weeks ago, on Monday May 21st, SEIU members, faith leaders, and workers from all across Illinois rallied at the Capitol in Springfield to highlight the immorality of poverty, racism, and a broken immigration system.

“Racism is immoral, poverty is immoral. Are you ready to stand up?” SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry asked a crowd of hundreds of demonstrators assembled.

“We’re fed up,” said Gail Hamilton, a home care provider for the Community Care Program and an SEIU Healthcare member. “I don’t get the living wage myself and others deserve. I’m making choices between buying food and paying bills. I shouldn’t have to work myself to death when I’m out here taking care of some of our most respected and vulnerable citizens.”

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Emma Lozano, a young immigrant, spoke about how her father was deported six years ago after a routine traffic stop and denounced Trump’s racist immigration policies.

Workers and faith leaders then occupied the lobby outside of Governor Rauner’s office as well as the lobby outside the legislative chambers to send a message that poverty and systemic racism is immoral and unacceptable.  By vetoing a $15 minimum wage and constantly attacking workers, Rauner has showed he’s not out our side.  That’s why it is crucial that we defeat Governor Rauner this November and elect someone who will fight to end poverty, like JB Pritzker who has support the Fight for $15 and a union.