Creating an economy that works for the people of Illinois.
Fighting for a more affordable Illinois by putting more money in families’ pockets and taking on the markets driving up their costs.
News and Updates
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Time for Chicago to buy into public-owned grocery store concept
Visit resource page: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Time for Chicago to buy into public-owned grocery store concept
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS: Illinois legislators introduce bills to regulate pricing based on personal data
Visit resource page: CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS: Illinois legislators introduce bills to regulate pricing based on personal data
Economic Security Illinois Applauds Gov. Pritzker for Backing Hidden Junk Fees Ban in Budget Address
Visit resource page: Economic Security Illinois Applauds Gov. Pritzker for Backing Hidden Junk Fees Ban in Budget Address
EVANSTON NOW: Electricity among top affordability concerns
Visit resource page: EVANSTON NOW: Electricity among top affordability concerns
Illinois Budget Doubles Child Tax Credit in Major Win for Working Families
Visit resource page: Illinois Budget Doubles Child Tax Credit in Major Win for Working Families
Gov. Pritzker Awards Over $10 Million in Illinois Grocery Initiative Grants
Visit resource page: Gov. Pritzker Awards Over $10 Million in Illinois Grocery Initiative Grants
Vision
Economic Security Illinois advocates for policies that make life more affordable and build an economy that works for everyone. We advance bold policies that put more money directly into families’ pockets, lower the costs of living, and ensure people have the resources and stability they need to build a better life.
What We DoWhat We Do
Economic Security Illinois is tackling the affordability crisis by fixing what isn’t working for families: broken incomes and broken markets.
We put more money back into people’s pockets by expanding tax credits for working families, advancing guaranteed income programs, and creating new ways to deliver direct cash support when families need it most.
Families can’t get ahead if costs keep rising, so we take on practices that make everyday life more expensive, such as hidden junk fees, price gouging driven by corporate consolidation, and unfair competition. When private markets fail, we advocate for public options that can lower costs and expand access to essentials like groceries and banking.
Our goal is simple: give families more breathing room today while building an economy that works better for everyone tomorrow.
ImpactImpact
We’ve channeled over $1 billion in public funding directly into the pockets of low-, and middle-income Illinoisans. Our efforts have been instrumental in establishing two of the nation’s largest guaranteed income programs, implemented in the City of Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, alongside numerous one-time direct cash transfer initiatives in collaboration with grassroots organizations, immigrant advocates, and local governments. ESIL played a pivotal role in the creation of the state’s Child Tax Credit, putting hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of parents. ESIL also orchestrated a historic expansion of the Illinois’ Earned Income Credit, extending eligibility to nearly one million more residents and enhancing benefits for over 4.5 million working-class Illinoisans, irrespective of age or immigration status. We worked to successfully ban junk fees in Illinois, making the price you see the price you pay, with no hidden fees that surprise you later.
Through strategic partnerships and relentless advocacy, ESIL has put real money back into the pockets of millions of people. Our track record proves that when Illinois chooses bold action, affordability improves. ESIL is building on these wins to make affordability the defining economic issue of Illinois’ future. We strive to ensure every family can live with dignity and stability.
Our TeamOur Team
Sarah Saheb
Director of Economic Security Illinois
Tesbih Habbal
Communications Strategist
Erion Benjamin Malasi
Illinois Director of Policy and Research
Michelle Mbekeani
Illinois Coalition and Campaigns Senior Manager
Jenna Severson
Communications Director