THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY’S OFFICE
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) will attend the State of the Union tonight with guest Karen Freeman-Wilson, CEO of the Chicago Urban League, who has been at the forefront of protecting the Black community from President Donald Trump’s attacks. During his first year in office, President Trump has rolled back policies, rescinded federal funds, and terminated diversity-focused programs, impacting gun violence, food security, affordable housing, public transportation, healthcare, and the well-being of Black people.
“Tonight, President Trump will spew lies about how he’s doing a great job as president. He can tout his A+++ economy, but the truth is that far too many hardworking people, especially Black Americans, are struggling to make ends meet. Due to so-called efficiency, President Trump slashed federal jobs, impacting Black women as unemployment rates continue to climb,” said Rep. Kelly. “President Trump is trying to drag our country backwards to a time when all people were not seen and treated as equals. My honorable guest, Karen, and I will keep marching forward to keep our communities safe, lower costs, expand healthcare, and improve our entire country.”
The Chicago Urban League advocates for affordable housing, economic development and social justice.
“I am grateful to Representative Robin Kelly for the invitation to join her and her colleagues for the State of the Union address. It is critical that those of us closest to the community bear witness for those who are suffering at the hands of idealogues,” said Freeman-Wilson. “Policies have consequences. Every day our brothers and sisters are reeling from barbaric policies that impact their food, medicine, constitutionally protected speech, and freedom from illegal state action. We must help the members of Congress who have acquiesced to the war against diversity, equity and inclusion; the war against those who need help with healthcare, food and shelter, and the war against the rule of law to understand that their failure to act has consequences for all of us. I thank Representative Kelly for using her voice and for giving me the opportunity to deliver this message during my time in Washington today at such a critical time in the life of our democracy.”
