Learn the truth about the graduated income tax. There are only eight states including Illinois that still have a regressive flat tax that hits low-income and middle-income earners the hardest. Gov. JB Pritzker favors a fair/graduated income tax with high-income…
News
Save the Black farmer
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Save the Black farmer
First light on a July morning hints at the heat and humidity to follow, but Dwayne Harris has a joyful heart as he lugs around heavy hoses and waters 100 raised vegetable beds at 5 a.m. Harris has a goal…
Earthdance: Peace, social responsibility, environmental justice
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Earthdance: Peace, social responsibility, environmental justice
Sherrie Campbell uses her body to communicate, heal, nurture and inspire. The former principal dancer with Peoria Ballet says her deep connection with the environment and dance has helped her navigate rough periods in life and infuses her with healing…
Voting in jail reduces recidivism
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Voting in jail reduces recidivism
Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell said voting helps jail detainees feel connected and responsible for their communities. It also reduces recidivism rates. To facilitate voting, there are modular kiosks in hallways in the Peoria County Jail with instructions about voting…
OSHA investigates PJS; newspaper suppresses story
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on OSHA investigates PJS; newspaper suppresses story
A serious accident at the Journal Star resulted in the loss of a man’s leg. The incident occurred Dec. 21, and an investigation by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration remains ongoing. Journalists were ordered not to report on…
Gen Z’er to deliver Clean Water Celebration keynote
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Gen Z’er to deliver Clean Water Celebration keynote
Following the deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, students took on the gun debate. Following heightened understanding of global climate change, teens are again taking the lead where adults have failed. One of the most…
War on plastic — from guns to plow shares
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on War on plastic — from guns to plow shares
Luke Haverhals likes to carefully calibrate his aim at problems – avoiding the distractions of little problems and keeping his focus on the big ones. Those, he contends, are petroleum and plastic. “Agriculture at its worst is still better than…
The voting rights lawsuit and cumulative voting
by contributor • • Comments Off on The voting rights lawsuit and cumulative voting
Editor’s Note: Joyce Banks was lead plaintiff in a 1987 lawsuit against the city of Peoria, Peoria Public Schools and Peoria Park District to get fair representation for African Americans in elected government positions. Cumulative voting helps ensure this goal.…
Green New Deal
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on Green New Deal
Three members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation are co-sponsoring the Green New Deal, an ambitious public-works plan to address climate change and inequality, and though it faces stiff Republican opposition, it resonates with the public. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia,…
Love your Valentine and love the planet
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Love your Valentine and love the planet
Kira Santiago understands the complexities of expressing love on Valentine’s Day. She wants to remind people that when thinking about love, extend thoughts to local, sustainable and organic. Organic matters for flowers as well as food! Santiago is an organic…