Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus

Last updated
Progressive Reform Caucus
Co-Chair Maria Hadden
Co-Chair Andre Vasquez
Secretary Matthew Martin
Treasurer Jeylú Gutiérrez
Whip Michael Rodriguez
Founded2013;11 years ago (2013)
Ideology
Political position Center-left to left-wing
Seats in Chicago City Council
19 / 50

The Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council is a bloc of aldermen in the Chicago City Council that was formed in 2013. [2] [3] Its stated mission statement is "creating a more just and equal Chicago, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing public policies that offer genuine opportunity to all Chicagoans, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity." [4] [5] As of the 2023–27 term, it had 19 members, out of the council's 50 aldermen.

Contents

History

The caucus was founded by nine aldermen in 2013, after having informally collaborated since 2012. [2] [3] [6] There had been a "loose amalgamation of self-described progressives" in the council prior to this, but it had not been a formalized organization. [2] Members of the caucus had historically been less aligned with Mayor Rahm Emanuel than average aldermen. [6] The day after the formation of the Progressive Reform Caucus, a group of other aldermen who self-identified as progressives formed the Paul Douglas Alliance, with the goal of working in a more aligned fashion with Mayor Emanuel. [6]

After the 2019 Chicago aldermanic election, several new aldermen who had campaigned as progressives joined the caucus, growing its size from 12 to 18. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

The caucus has formed a political action committee (PAC) with the same name. [13] [3] As of June 2020, the largest donors to the PAC were labor unions: SEIU Illinois Council, AFSCME Illinois Council No. 31, and Chicago Teachers Union. [13]

Previous chairs of the caucus have been Scott Waguespack (2015–19), Susan Sadlowski Garza (2019–21), Sophia King (2021–23). [14] [15] [16] The current co-chairs are Maria Hadden and Andre Vasquez (2023–Present).[ citation needed ]

Membership

During the 2015–19 term, the caucus consisted of 10 members. [14] Two of the 10 members lost re-election in 2019, but with ten newly elected aldermen joining the caucus, membership increased to 18 at the start of the 2019–23 term. [17] [18]

Members during current term

The following table lists aldermen who are affiliated with the Progressive Reform Caucus, as of the 2023–27 term, according to news media reporting. [19]

MemberWardJoined
Daniel La Spata 12019 [17]
Lamont Robinson 42023 [19]
Desmon Yancy 52023 [19]
William Hall 62023 [19]
Julia Ramirez 122023 [19]
Jeylú Gutiérrez 142023 [19]
Jeanette Taylor 202019 [17]
Ronnie Mosley 212023 [19]
Michael Rodriguez 222019 [17]
Byron Sigcho-Lopez 252019 [17]
Jessie Fuentes 262023 [19]
Ruth Cruz 302023 [19]
Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez 332019 [17]
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa 352015 [20]
Andre Vasquez 402019 [17]
Angela Clay 462023 [19]
Matt Martin 472019 [17]
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth 482023 [19]
Maria Hadden 492019 [17]

Past members

MemberWardJoinedLeft
Sophia King 42016 [21] 2023; term ended
Leslie Hairston 52013 [2] 2023; term ended
Roderick Sawyer 62013 [2] 2023; term ended
Susan Sadlowski Garza 102015 [22] 2023; term ended
Stephanie Coleman 162019 [18] [12] 2023; did not rejoin caucus [19]
David Moore 172015 [20] 2023; did not rejoin caucus [19]
Chris Taliaferro 292015 [22] 2023; did not rejoin caucus [19]
Felix Cardona Jr. 312019 [17] 2023; did not rejoin caucus [19]
Scott Waguespack 322013 [2] 2023; did not rejoin caucus [19]
Toni Foulkes 162013 [2] 2019; lost re-election
John Arena 452013 [2] 2019; lost re-election
Ricardo Muñoz 222013 [2] 2019; removed after alleged unauthorized use of caucus PAC funds [23]
Ameya Pawar 472013 [2] 2019; term ended
Nicholas Sposato 36; 382013 [2] 2016; left due to health issues and ideological disagreements [21] [24]
Bob Fioretti 22013 [2] 2015; term ended [20]

Agenda and actions

2019–23 City Council term

In August 2019, ten members of the caucus urged Mayor Lori Lightfoot to address the city's budget deficit by enacting a financial transaction tax or corporate head tax, rather than increasing property taxes or making cuts to city services. [25] A month later, they outlined the specifics of their proposal, further suggesting a tax on office leases, a hotel tax increase, a tax on vacant commercial properties, and a local income tax on those making over $100,000 a year. [26] [27] Furthermore, they proposed a moratorium on the Chicago Police Department budget, a moratorium on privatization of city services, an end to Tax increment financing subsidies in wealthy neighborhoods, and increased spending on affordable housing, mental health, early childhood education, and a youth jobs program. [26] The aldermen suggested that the Progressive Caucus could act as a bloc on these issues in the upcoming budget debate. [25] [26]

In November 2019, in response to Mayor Lightfoot's plan for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, the Progressive Caucus pushed to eliminate the tipped minimum wage and allow restaurant workers and others in this category to earn the $15 minimum wage. [28] [29] Later that month, half of the caucus' members (La Spata, Taylor, Rodriguez, Sigcho-Lopez, Rodriguez Sanchez, Ramirez Rosa, Vasquez, Martin, and Hadden) voted against Mayor Lightfoot's proposed annual budget for 2020, which passed by a vote of 39–11. [30]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Progressive Caucus conducted telephone check-ins with senior citizens living in their wards. [31]

During the George Floyd protests in late May and early June 2020, the Progressive Caucus renewed calls for the city to negotiate a new contract with the Chicago Police Department that would include systematic reforms, and introduced a resolution to that effect. [32] [33] In July 2020, the Caucus called for an end to the $33 million contract for police officers to be present in Chicago Public Schools, and for a reinvestment of those funds in alternative strategies for school safety. [34] Later that month, the Caucus criticized the Chicago Police Department for its actions during a July 17 protest in Grant Park and called on the Chicago Park District to remove the park's statue of Christopher Columbus. [35]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Waguespack</span> American politician

Scott Waguespack is a member of the Chicago City Council, representing the 32nd ward since May 2007. The current 32nd ward includes parts of the neighborhoods of Bucktown, Goose Island, Hamlin Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Roscoe Village. He is a member of the council's Progressive Reform Caucus, and was the chair during 2015–19. During the 2019–23 term, he was selected as the chair of the Finance Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicholas Sposato</span> American politician

Nicholas Sposato serves on the Chicago City Council as alderman of the 38th Ward of the City of Chicago on the city's Far Northwest Side. Sposato was elected as alderman for the 36th ward in 2011 in an election against incumbent John Rice, who was endorsed by then Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel. After City Council wards were re-districted, Sposato was re-elected as alderman for the 38th ward in 2015 and 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlos Ramirez-Rosa</span> American politician

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is an American politician. He has served as the Alderperson for Chicago's 35th Ward since May 18, 2015. He was first elected to the Council in 2015, become one of the chamber's youngest members ever elected at age 26. He was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

Susan Sadlowski Garza is a member of the Chicago City Council serving as Alderman for the 10th ward. The 10th ward is located on Chicago's southeast side and includes East Side, Hegewisch, Jeffrey Manor, South Chicago and South Deering. She initially assumed office after defeating Rahm Emanuel ally John Pope in the 2015 election. During the 2019–23 term, she was selected to be the chair of the Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian K. Hopkins</span> American politician

Brian K. Hopkins is a Democratic Alderman of Chicago, representing the 2nd Ward. The 2nd Ward includes Streeterville, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, Bucktown and the Gold Coast. Prior to his election to the Chicago City Council, he served as Chief of Staff to Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophia King</span> Politician

Sophia D. King is an American politician and former member of Chicago City Council, who served as alderman from the 4th ward, which includes portions of the neighborhoods Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and South Loop. King was appointed to the position in 2016 to replace retiring incumbent Will Burns. She won a special election to serve out the rest term of the term in 2017 and was re-elected to a full term in 2019. She was a member and chair of the City Council's Progressive Reform Caucus. King forwent reelection to the city council in 2023 in order to make an unsuccessful run for mayor of Chicago in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lori Lightfoot</span> 56th mayor of Chicago from 2019 to 2023

Lori Elaine Lightfoot is an American politician and attorney who was the 56th mayor of Chicago from 2019 until 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, Lightfoot worked in private legal practice as a partner at Mayer Brown and held various government positions in Chicago. She served as president of the Chicago Police Board and chair of the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force. In 2019, Lightfoot defeated Toni Preckwinkle in a runoff election for Chicago mayor. She ran again in 2023 but failed to qualify for the runoff, becoming the city's first incumbent mayor to not be reelected since Jane Byrne in 1983.

Matt Martin is an American politician who is currently serving as a member of Chicago City Council for the city's 47th ward. He won election as alderman in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. The 47th ward includes all or parts of the North Center, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, and Uptown neighborhoods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maria Hadden</span> American politician who has been the alderman of the 49th Ward of Chicago since 2019

Maria Elaine Hadden is an American politician and community activist from Chicago. She is a member of the Chicago City Council, serving as alderperson for the city's 49th ward. She won election to that office after defeating 28-year incumbent Joe Moore in the 2019 election, and was reelected in 2023. The 49th ward includes most of Rogers Park and portions of West Ridge. She is a member of the Progressive Caucus, Black Caucus, and LGBT Caucus in the City Council.

Daniel Francis La Spata is a Chicago politician. He has served as the alderman of Chicago's 1st ward since May 2019. He won election to that office after defeating incumbent Proco Joe Moreno in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic elections. He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Rodriguez (politician)</span> American politician

Michael D. Rodriguez is a Chicago politician. He is the alderman of Chicago's 22nd ward and took office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. He was elected in the 2019 aldermanic election, in an open race to succeed incumbent alderman Ricardo Muñoz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Working Families</span> American political organization

United Working Families (UWF) is an independent political organization based in Chicago, Illinois. It was formed in 2014 as a coalition between the Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana, Grassroots Illinois Action, and Action Now. Although it is not a formal political party, the organization recruits and trains political candidates and organizers, endorses and provides support to political candidates, and engages in community organizing. Its stated goal is to "create space for independent politics" in Chicago and Illinois and to enact a "vision for a city and a state that provides for the many, not just the wealthy few." The organization has been characterized as part of the progressive movement and the labor movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brendan Reilly (politician)</span> American politician

Brendan Reilly is an American politician who has served as alderman of Chicago's 42nd ward since 2007, when he unseated septuagenarian incumbent Burton Natarus. He served as Vice Mayor of Chicago, being elected to that position by the Chicago City Council, from 2015 to 2019. From May 2019 to May 2023, he served as President pro tempore of the Council, which means that he presided over council proceedings in the mayor's absence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andre Vasquez</span> American politician

Andre Vasquez is a Chicago politician, community organizer, and former rapper. He is the alderman of the city's 40th ward. He won election to that office after defeating incumbent Patrick O'Connor in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic elections. Vasquez is a member of the Chicago chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Byron Sigcho-Lopez</span> American politician

Byron Sigcho-Lopez is a Chicago politician and community activist. He is the alderman of Chicago's 25th ward, having taken office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. He won an open race to succeed outgoing alderman Daniel Solis in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic election. He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He was elected as 25th Ward Democratic Committeeperson in 2020.

Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez is a Chicago politician and community organizer. She is the alderwoman of Chicago's 33rd ward, having taken office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. She won election to that office after defeating incumbent Deb Mell in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic elections. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago City Council Latino Caucus</span> Political party

The Latino Caucus of the Chicago City Council is a bloc of aldermen in the Chicago City Council, composed of council members of Latino heritage and of those whose wards are majority Latino. During the 2023–27 term, the caucus consists of 15 members, out of the council's 50 aldermen.

The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus is a bloc of aldermen in the Chicago City Council, designed with the goal of "representing the needs and interests of Chicago's Black communities." During the 2019–23 term, the caucus consists of 20 members, out of the council's 50 aldermen. As of June 2023, the chair of the caucus is Stephanie Coleman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chicago mayoral election</span>

The 2023 Chicago mayoral election was held on February 28, 2023, to elect the mayor of Chicago, Illinois. With no candidate receiving a majority of votes in the initial round of the election, a runoff election was held on April 4. This two-round election took place alongside other 2023 Chicago elections, including races for City Council, city clerk, city treasurer, and police district councils. The election was officially nonpartisan, with winner Brandon Johnson being elected to a four-year term which began on May 15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chicago elections</span>

The 2023 Chicago elections took place in two rounds on February 28, 2023, and April 4, 2023. Elections were held for Mayor of Chicago, City Clerk of Chicago, City Treasurer of Chicago, all 50 members of the Chicago City Council, and 66 members of the newly created police District Councils. The elections were administered by the Chicago Board of Elections.

References

  1. ↑ "What The Gov: What Does It Mean To Have Six Democratic Socialists on the Chicago City Council?" . Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Progressive Aldermen Unite, Vow to End 'Business as Usual'". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on 2019-05-27. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  3. 1 2 3 "City Council Progressive Reform Coalition Formalizes, Signs Statement of Principles Caucus to focus on creating "a more just and equal Chicago" « Chicago's 32nd Ward Service Website – Alderman Scott Waguespack". ward32.org. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  4. ↑ "Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council –". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. Archived from the original on 2022-01-17. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  5. ↑ "Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  6. 1 2 3 "City Council Sprouts Dueling 'Progressive' Caucuses". HuffPost. 2013-03-14. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  7. ↑ Kapos, Shia; Hurst, Adrienne. "PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS redefined — VAN DYKE's new digs — TCHEN's SMOLLETT connection". POLITICO. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  8. ↑ Rodriguez, Alex. "How strong will the Progressive Caucus be now? Chicago's City Council is changing". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  9. ↑ Brown, Mark (2019-04-30). "Dynasty slayer Rodriguez Sanchez ready to build bridges—not rehash past battles". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  10. ↑ Perry, Grace. "Meet Your New Aldermen". Chicago magazine. Retrieved 2019-05-28.
  11. ↑ Rodriguez, Mike (2019-04-30). "First meeting with Progressive Reform Caucus members of the Chicago City Council. I'm looking forward to working with this group! @SSadlowskiGarza @45thWardChicago @aldsophiaking @MattMartinChi @Mariafor49 @CDRosa @RossanaFor33 @5thWardChicago @SigchoFor25 @DanielLaSpatapic.twitter.com/ZlqUew9aAH". @rodriguezfor22. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  12. 1 2 "The Chair of Chicago's Progressive Caucus is excited by the "different vibe" at City Hall". WGN Radio - 720 AM. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
  13. 1 2 Reform, Illinois Campaign for Political. "Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus". Illinois Sunshine. Archived from the original on 2019-05-27. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
  14. 1 2 "Who We Are". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. Archived from the original on 2022-03-12. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  15. ↑ "With new members, Chicago City Council members realign Progressive Reform Caucus". chicagotribune.com. 2019-06-12. Archived from the original on 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
  16. ↑ Kapos, Shia; Carrasco, Maria (2020-06-12). "PASS THE POPCORN! — PROGRESSIVES PICK ALD. KING — ANALYZING PRITZKER'S HIRES". POLITICO. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Chicago Tribune staff (2019-06-12). "With new members, Chicago City Council members realign Progressive Reform Caucus". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
  18. 1 2 "Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council –". 2019-08-26. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Feurer, Todd (2024-03-18). "Progressive Caucus demands end to Chicago migrant evictions - CBS Chicago". CBS News. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  20. 1 2 3 "Progressive Aldermen Getting Reinforcements on City Council". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on 2015-12-16. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  21. 1 2 "Appointed By Rahm, Ald. Sophia King Joins Caucus That Often Opposes Him". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on 2019-05-27. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  22. 1 2 "Progressive Caucus Could Double". The Daily Line. 2015-05-16. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  23. ↑ "Ald. Muñoz Made $37K In 'Unauthorized Expenditures' From Progressive Caucus PAC Account". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  24. ↑ Spielman, Fran (2016-12-15). "Ald. Nick Sposato (38th) drops out of Progressive Caucus". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  25. 1 2 Quig, A.D. (2019-08-28). "Progressives to Lightfoot: Tax biz to fill budget hole". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
  26. 1 2 3 Quig, A.D. (2019-09-10). "Head tax, LaSalle Street tax, vacancy tax on progressives' checklist for Lightfoot". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  27. ↑ Spielman, Fran (2019-09-10). "Community and labor organizations propose $4.5 billion in new revenues to 're-imagine Chicago'". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
  28. ↑ "Chicago Progressive Caucus calls for elimination of 'sub-minimum' wage for tipped workers". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. 2019-11-13. Archived from the original on 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
  29. ↑ Byrne, John; Elejalde-Ruiz, Alexia (2019-11-13). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposes minimum wage hike that would boost tipped workers' pay — but not to full $15 an hour". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on 2019-11-13. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
  30. ↑ Spielman, Fran (2019-11-26). "City Council approves Lightfoot's $11.6 billion budget — with 11 'no' votes". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  31. ↑ Kapos, Shia (2020-04-02). "PRITZKER FOR PRESIDENT? — GETTING IN BUDGET BINDS — MISSION: PPE". POLITICO. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
  32. ↑ "Chicago Progressive Caucus Calls for Justice for George Floyd and Demand FOP Contract Reforms to protect Chicagoans". The Chicago Crusader. May 31, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2020-06-01.
  33. ↑ "Chicago Progressive Caucus Calls for Justice for George Floyd and Demand FOP Contract Reforms to protect Chicagoans". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
  34. ↑ "Chicago Progressive Caucus Calls for Removal of Chicago Police Officers From Public Schools and Investment in Alternatives Strategies that Improve School Safety". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. July 2, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-07-03. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  35. ↑ "Progressive Caucus Condemns Police Response to Protests, the FOP President's Call for the Feds, and Calls for the Removal of Columbus Statue in Grant Park". chicagoprogressivecaucus.com. July 20, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2020-07-21.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.