Press Release
Economic Security for Illinois Joins Forces with Economic Security Project to Expand Efforts in States
11. 30. 2022
The Move is Part of Economic Security Project’s Commitment to Lead and Advance State Initiatives and Campaigns
Hear from Executive Director Taylor Jo Isenberg
We Are Expanding Our Work With Proven Leadership
Visit link: We Are Expanding Our Work With Proven LeadershipChicago, Il – Economic Security for Illinois is joining Economic Security Project as an affiliate, and Harish I. Patel, the Director of Economic Security for Illinois, will become Vice President, Build the Field for Economic Security Project.
This announcement signals Economic Security Project’s deepening commitment to support and advance state level work across the country. Over the past few years, Economic Security Project has already helped change policies in seven states, modernizing their tax codes to get cash to the families who need it most. Economic Security Project plans to expand active campaigns to at least twelve states across the country with the Pilots to Policy State Fund, which is kicking off with an initial investment of $1 million for state-based grassroots and policy development organizations.
“Since we first collaborated with Economic Security for Illinois on the Illinois Resilient Families Task Force in 2018, we’ve been proud to support their efforts to deliver significant wins for the people of Illinois, which includes over one billion dollars of direct cash programs and tax policies targeting those who need it most,” said Taylor Jo Isenberg, Executive Director of Economic Security Project. “As Economic Security Project expands its work in states, we’re excited to join forces with Economic Security for Illinois to deliver for millions of Americans.”
“Economic Security Project has long been our closest national ally,” said Harish I. Patel, Founder and Director of Economic Security for Illinois, and new Vice President, Build the Field at Economic Security Project. “From our very first investment in 2018, to guiding our staff as a fiscal sponsor, we would not have been able to make a dent in the Illinois policy landscape without our partners at ESP. This is why we are thrilled to officially join forces. With this new arrangement, we can deepen our impact in Illinois and reaffirm our mission to fight for a more equitable and inclusive economy.”
“Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, I saw on a regular basis how economic inequality was being perpetuated at a city and state level,” said Dorian Warren, Co-President of Community Change and Board Chair of Economic Security Project. “The team at Economic Security for Illinois, and their partners across the state, saw these systemic struggles and made significant strides in rectifying some of these inequalities. I am excited to see how the team will build on those wins when they join Economic Security Project, and how lessons learned in Illinois can help inform the movements that we are building across the nation,”
As Vice President of Build the Field, Harish I. Patel will play a central role in advancing big ideas that have the power to transform our economy. And as an affiliate of Economic Security Project, Economic Security for Illinois will continue to work to support and grow campaigns in Illinois. By combining Economic Security for Illinois’ expertise and perspective with Economic Security Project’s organizational depth and strength, the organizations can invest in Illinois as a state leading the fight, while also connecting their vision and energy to other leaders aiming to deliver in their states.
You can read more about the pilot to policy state work here and our expanding team here.