IDCCA President’s Message
by Kristina Zahorik, IDCCA President
@ILDCCA @McHenryDems

Fellow Chairs,

We still have our work cut out for us, but 2020 is insight. Democratic values are American values and our values remain under attack from the Trump Administration and the GOP’s refusal to stand up to their President. We will continue to stand up and will continue to fight for our nation at every level.

The State of the Union is one of a few haves and an increasing population of have nots or never haves.  Trump and the GOP has repeatedly supported policies and legislation that monetarily benefit a few at the expense of every day Americans. They willfully ignore the urgency of climate change and real threats to our nation, creating division, and spinning a narrative that government doesn’t work and facts aren’t to be trusted.

This past election showed voters overwhelmingly rejected Trump and the Republican agenda. Illinois rejected it and voted for the Democratic plan. One fighting for opportunity for everyone.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the IDCCA Pre-Inaugural Reception, the inauguration, and the incredible Celebration. I was honored to serve on the Celebration Committee. Pritzker laid out a bold plan in his inaugural remarks. You can read them here: Inaugural Remarks. On February 20, he will deliver the State of the State. After all the festivities, Governor JB Pritzker hit the ground running.  The Illinois General Assembly (GA) is also poised to support a daring agenda too. As I write, the GA is set to pass a minimum wage increase reported to benefit 1.4 million low wage workers. We can support these efforts via social media, witness-slips, postcards, emails, phone calls, and member visits.

I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks at the IDCCA general membership meeting in Springfield. We too have a bold program looking forward to 2020. Part of it includes my traveling the state to meet and work with you as we continue to build and strengthen our County Parties and the IDCCA as resource and training organization.

Even with the extreme cold, snow, and ice storms, our work doesn’t stop. Like many, my County Party is working with identified Democrats running in the April election, recruiting election judges, asking PCs to id voters, fundraising, and recruiting candidates for the 2020 cycle. We are also watching the growing field of Democratic Presidential candidates and encouraging our members to look critically, but also not to fall into division.

All we do contributes to pushing back and fighting for our values. Thank you!

Best wishes,

Kristina