During these turbulent and difficult economic
times, it is more important than ever that the concept
of
social justice, the view that every member of our
society is
deserving of equal economic, political, and social
rights and
opportunities, be given the highest priority by elected
officials. Assuring social justice is a key element of
the
Illinois Constitution as shown by the Preamble which
states, in
part, that "We, the People of the State of Illinois ...
in
order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of
the
people; maintain a representative and orderly
government;
eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social
and
economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest
development of the individual; ... do ordain and
establish
this Constitution for the State of Illinois."
Our
American ideals recognize the value and the
importance of equality of opportunity, and when justice
is
achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely
in
the administration of law, individuals and groups will
be
afforded fair treatment and an impartial share of the
benefits of
society. It is proper for us to consider how we, as a
State,
treat the most vulnerable among us and how our decisions
will affect those most in need of equal opportunities. Differences of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability,
health,
religion, economic condition, or class should not stand
in the way
of equal opportunities in education, health care, or
employment.
The
inequality of educational opportunities in
Illinois is well known and thoroughly described in
studies,
test results, and statistics assembled by the State
Board of
Education. The toll of violence, the troublesome number
of
school dropouts, and the loss of life, hope, and opportunity
extracted from the victims of violence and the lives of
our
school drop-outs tear at our communities. Disparities
in the
availability and quality of health care throughout
Illinois
highlight the lack of equal opportunities for those in
need of
health care. Rising unemployment in all sectors of our
economy and the human price paid by communities that
experience high unemployment rates make it more
important
than ever that there truly be equal opportunities in all
phases of employment.
All
of these issues are issues of social
justice, and I look forward to working with you as we
create
vibrant communities brimming with opportunity and
justice for all.
La Shawn K. Ford
State Representative -
Eighth District
Understanding and Abiding by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 from EJKit.com on Vimeo.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE-PRIORITY
Synopsis As Introduced
Urges that social justice be the guiding principle in decision-making in the House of Representatives
House Chief Sponsor Rep La Shawn K. Ford
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Date |
Chamber |
Action |
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5/31/2009 |
House |
Resolution Adopted |
Fighting for
Social Justice!
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Rep. Ford's
VISION for a NEW High School
in Austin
in an August 29, 2007 interview -
Search
"Austin High" after link:
Rep. Ford WORKS with Community Leaders
for a New Austin High School - July 15, 2009:
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Listen and Call In with your Ideas!!
"The Voice of the People" with Rep. Ford every Sunday evening, 9-10 pm, on WVON
1690 AM Radio!
Click Here to make your suggestions regarding the Illinois
State Budget!
CLICK HERE for Chicago Tribune
article on Rep. Ford's Prisoner Census Adjustment Act
No Census of Justice: CLICK HERE for One View
The Census means Billions for the Chicago Area
Click below for:
Rep. Ford's 2009 Constituent
Survey Results and Analysis
