Point of Difference Strategies

Point of Difference Strategies is pleased to share key highlights from the 2024 Fall Veto Session. Yesterday, Illinois House and Senate members adjourned after completing the two-week session. Key takeaways include legislation to eliminate the sub-minimum wage for workers with disabilities and a revenue cleanup bill that amended various tax credits. Lawmakers also re-elected their 104th General Assembly party leadership for another term. Looking ahead, lawmakers are set to return for the Lame Duck Session on January 2, 2025.

Proud to see Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres recognized by the Women's Bar Association of Illinois with the Top Flexible Workplace Legal Employer award!

The Illinois General Assembly is back in Springfield this week for the Fall Veto Session. This two-week session gives lawmakers the chance to revisit bills vetoed by the Governor over the summer. However, this year, no vetoes were issued. Following the 2024 General Election results, legislative action during the Veto Session will likely be shaped by the political landscape ahead. We can expect legislators to prioritize actions aimed at safeguarding constitutional protections that may run counter to the upcoming presidential administration. Check out Point of Difference Strategies' Veto Session calendar below, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

Point of Difference Strategies has been closely monitoring the latest Federal, State, County, and Local election results, and have compiled a detailed report for your convenience. Here are some key takeaways: - President Donald Trump has secured a second term with 276 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote. - The Illinois House and Senate maintain a Democratic supermajority. - Eileen O’Neill Burke has won the Cook County State’s Attorney race with 65.9% of the vote, defeating Republican Bob Fioretti. -?The election results for the Chicago School Board in the 1st and 10th districts are still pending. However, unofficial results indicate that four candidates supported by teachers unions, three pro-school choice candidates, and three independent candidates are either leading or have won their respective races We’ll continue to provide updates as they come in.

Happy Election Day! Tune in to WGN-TV’s Election Night Panel at 7pm to hear from Lisa Duarte, Founder and President of Point of Difference Strategies, and expert panelists as they report the latest results from across the country and provide insights on key races in battleground states. To watch live, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dpth6MH

On Wednesday, the City Council’s Budget and Government Operations Committee will begin hearings for each department regarding the FY25 Budget. These hearings offer a pivotal opportunity for City Council members to engage with various departments and their individual budget proposals. Check out the visual created by Point of Difference Strategies for the schedule over the next two weeks and learn how to observe the budget hearings. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.

Today, Point of Difference Strategies proudly celebrated our Founder and President, Lisa Duarte, at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's 2024 Leader Luncheon. Nominated as this year's Outstanding Civic Leader, Lisa delivered an inspiring?speech about the value of the kindness we extend, the respect we show, and the community we build with those around us. The YWCA's Annual She the People Leader Luncheon celebrates trailblazing women from all walks of life, across different industries, who through their dedication and hard work, are breaking barriers and paving the way for future leaders.?Congratulations, Lisa!

During this 2024 election cycle, Illinoisans have the opportunity to weigh in on three policy issues – insurance coverage for IVF treatments, property tax reform, and the creation of civil penalties for candidates who participate in election interference. While these advisory questions are non-binding, lawmakers will consider your input when shaping future policies. Below are the questions as they will be presented to Illinoisans on ballots across the state. To view your sample ballot, find your polling place, or check your voter registration, visit:?https://lnkd.in/gjhmXKtK

Point of Difference Strategies is proud to recognize two of our team members who are celebrating milestone accomplishments this week. After months of dedicated training, Jacqueline Duarte successfully completed the 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday. We were thrilled to support her and cheer her across the finish line. Today, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas honored Maria Virginia Martinez with one of the Latino Heritage Month awards. This award celebrates community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their significant contributions and commitment to giving back. Please join us in congratulating Jacqueline and Maria!

Latinos Progresando’s 12th annual MEX talks is just a few days away! The showcase gives emerging Mexican and Mexican American leaders the platform to reflect on a shared identity and to inspire positive change through storytelling. We’re proud to recognize Lisa Duarte, Founder and President of Point of Difference Strategies, as a member of this year’s MEX talks host committee. Reserve your seat for Thursday's event by visiting: https://bit.ly/3BzD32a