Black Futures... Continued From Page 2

participated in the first Black Census Project in 2018. The Black Futures Lab used the results to identify pressing legislative and policy priorities, turning the survey into a national, state, and municipal policy platform to guide 2020 Presidential candidates as they devised strategies to earn the support of Black voters.

Personally identifiable information will not be collected, and all participants can opt into becoming a part of the Black Futures Lab supporter community. Some participants who complete the survey will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card.

The Black Futures Lab works to make Black communities powerful in politics, so that we can be powerful in the rest of our lives. The challenges facing Black communities are complex -- and the solutions require innovation, experimentation, and Black political power. We build the capacity of our communities to govern, we include Black people in the decisions that impact our lives, and we combine technology and traditional organizing methods to reach Black people anywhere and everywhere we are, ensuring that none of us get left out or left behind. For more information: www.blackfutureslab.org

Chicago Public Schools Increases Classroom Spending to Better Serve Students

Additionally, the measure removes outdated language, including a provision requiring DCFS to establish the Governor’s Youth Services Initiative, which was disbanded in 2019. The elimination of this language brings the Children and Family Services Act in compliance with changes implemented by the Reproductive Health Act.

“While this may seem like a minor change, this legislation is vital in enabling DCFS to effectively provide children the care and support they need and deserve,” Hunter added.

House Bill 3705 was signed into law June 9 and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Foster Leads Call To Allow Dreamers To Serve In Military

Recently, Congressman Bill Foster (DIL) led eight of his Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution that calls on the Secretary of Defense to authorize Dreamers to serve in the armed services.

“For many Dreamers, the United States is the only home they have ever known. Every American deserves the right to serve their country through military service, and Dreamers should be no exception,” said Foster. “Allowing our Dreamers to enlist and serve in the military would make sure our armed forces have some of the best and brightest young minds in their ranks. I strongly encourage the Secretary of Defense to review the current policy and authorize these patriotic individuals to serve their country.”

Original cosponsors of the resolution include Mark Takano (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ), Dina Titus (D-NV), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Adriano Espaillat (DNY), and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY).