Larry Dean
Community Organizer – Economic Justice
Overview
People Over Profit (POP) is Access Living’s economic justice-focused organizing group. Established in the fall of 2024, POP has advocated for significant legislative and policy initiatives at the intersection of economic and disability justice. One of its major achievements is supporting the passage of the Dignity in Pay Act, which abolished the use of sub-minimum wages in Illinois.
POP continues to develop programmatic opportunities for education and legislative reforms, ensuring people with disabilities maintain access to essential services and supports.
Legislative and Policy Focus Areas
Guaranteed Income
Cook County has committed to funding a permanent guaranteed income program. POP is collaborating with other organizations to ensure that people with disabilities are included in county guaranteed income initiatives.
POP is a part of the Illinois Reparations Committee advocating for the Illinois Future Fund that will create a state-funded Guaranteed Income Program. We will be engaging in lobbying and organizing efforts throughout 2026 to get this legislation passed.
Eliminating the Marriage Penalty Act
On Valentine’s Day 2025, POP hosted a panel featuring the film “Patrice,” which highlighted the fight to prevent disabled individuals who marry from losing their benefits.
POP also organized “Love Without Limits,” a Valentine’s Day prom celebrating Disability Joy.
Economic Job & Resource Development
POP hosts job and resource fairs to support growth and education opportunities for members of our community.
Pushing for Inclusion in the State & Federal Budget
The federal budget will see significant changes due to policies outlined in “The Big Beautiful Bill.” These changes include new work and volunteer requirements for SNAP and the risk of losing Medicare coverage for some. POP is urging the Illinois legislature to establish legislative guardrails to protect people from these punitive measures.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining People Over Profit, contact Larry Dean at [email protected] to schedule a one-on-one conversation. People Over Profit meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday. We look forward to hearing from you soon.