CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
First Lady Michelle Obama returned to her hometown today, raising hundreds of thousands of campaign dollars.
She was here in Chicago as her husband complained in an e-mail to supporters that he might become the first President ever to be outspent while running for re-election.
Mrs. Obama did two fundraising events Downtown, one before and one after she watched Gov. Quinn sign a bill that was part of her campaign to help military families.
Immediately after the bill signing, the First Lady greeted 16-year Navy veteran Luis Fernandez and his wife. The couple hope to benefit from Illinois's new law. The plan is to cut red tape to allow Leslie Fernandez and other military spouses to get temporary professional licenses. She worked as a dental hygienist in San Diego until her husband was transferred six months ago to Great Lakes Naval Station in the North Suburbs. She said she's spent thousands of dollars so far, but Illinois still hasn't accepted her California hygienist license.
Asked about the cost, Leslie Fernandez said, "You have no idea."
Her husband, Luis Fernandez said the family misses her income.
"We've just tried to cut back where we could. And not take any vacations. And try to take care of stuff at home," Fernandez said.
Illinois is the 23rd state to enact a law to reduce that financial penalty, inspired by Mrs. Obama's work on behalf of military families.
At the governor's bill-signing ceremony, Mrs. Obama said, "I want all of our military families to know that America does have your backs. It's really a country that appreciates and cares about your service."
Earlier, she spoke at a luncheon in the Loop. About 500 women were on hand--including Jane Lynch, star of Glee and a native of South Suburban Dolton. Tickets cost up to $5,000 each, with proceeds going to the President's re-election effort.
West Randolph's restaurant row was the First Lady's last stop, where she spoke to a younger crowd. Tickets there started at a mere $44 apiece.
The temporary professional licenses granted under the new Illinois law, allow military spouses licensed elsewhere to work for up to six months...as teachers, social workers, accountants, real estate agents and in other professions.
