Recently, some of the Dundee Dems members attended a Health Care for America Now (HCAN) rally in Schaumburg. It was reported in the Daily Herald. Click to read the article.

At the State level, the General Assembly has made some headway in reforming the way Illinois practices politics. Recently, the Governor signed into law a bill that called for Illinois to better track and publicly publish how federal stimulus money is being spent in the state. As well as a bill that reformed the pension system for members of the General Assembly and Judges, bringing them in line with other pension systems in the state. Also, Illinois passed laws prohibiting elected officials who have been charged with violating their oath of office from profiting from their incident. Finally, in relation to tax relief, the Governor recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Senator Noland (D-Elgin) that would give local residents more control at keeping property taxes down while still assisting in the growth of Elgin Community College.

On the Federal Level, the 111th Congress has passed the following initiatives:

The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 - The statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit resets with each discriminatory paycheck.

The Childrens' State Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act- Reauthorized and expanded the health insurance program to include an additional 4 million children.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Known as the economic stimulus plan, the plan includes a total of 15 various tax cuts and credits.

Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 - Designated 2 million acres of U.S. land as National Wilderness Preservation Areas.

Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act- Expands the AmeriCorps program.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act - Expanded eligibility for Chapter 13, gave judges more discretion in altering mortgage agreements to help people keep their homes, and expanded the FDIC.

Weapons Systems Acquisitions Act- Reformed the way the Pentagon contracted and purchased weapons systems. The bill was designed to cut down on wasteful spending within the Pentagon.

Credit CARD Act - Prohibits arbitrary interest rate increases and requires 45 day notice prior to any interest rate increase.

Prohibits the punishment, through fees,of those who pay of time. Ends deceptive or misleading terms on statements and contracts.