State Rep. Manley Donating Interest to Joliet's Guardian Angels

Sticking to her commitment to fiscal restraint, and in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, will be donating the interest she received on her recent paychecks to Guardian Angels Community Services, a local non-profit servicing victims of domestic violence.

A court ruling required legislators’ late wages to include interest, resulting in additional money on the back payments lawmakers recently received.

“Because so many people in our community are still struggling to make ends meet, I think it is irresponsible to take this interest from the taxpayers,” Manley said. “Instead, I will be donating it to Guardian Angels, an organization that is vital to helping some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community feel safe and rebuild their lives.”

Guardian Angels offers a 24-hour shelter for victims of domestic violence, crisis intervention, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, temporary housing assistance for women and children affected by domestic violence, 24-hour hotlines, parenting classes, and foster care services.

Manley additionally supported efforts against domestic violence by partnering with Will County Take Back the Night, Zonta Club of Joliet, the Joliet Junior Women’s Club, and Rare Soulz to tie over five hundred purple ribbons along Essington Road in Joliet, and attended several community events to raise awareness of local support services, and encourage victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to speak up and seek help.

“In addition to recognizing the hard work of Guardian Angels, I am committed to makings sure state dollars are used responsibly,” Manley said. “This year, I helped to pass a budget that prioritized education and human services and prevented drastic cuts proposed by the governor, while also paying down two billion dollars of debt. I look forward to returning to Springfield soon to continue helping our state get on sound financial footing.”