League Action in March

4/1/25

Representing 3700 members across the state, the League teams up with other organizations so that all of our voices are amplified. Here’s what we spoke out on in March:

• LWVIL President Becky Simon submitted a letter to the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times in opposition to the SAVE Act, federal legislation that would result in creating obstacles to voter registration and result in voter suppression.

• LWVIL Vice President Kathy Cortez delivered a speech at the International Women’s Day March in Chicago focused on barriers women face, the need for the ERA, and how the SAVE Act will negatively impact women.

• LWVIL President Becky Simon attended 60th Selma Jubilee in Selma, Alabama along with other Leagues from across the country to stand up for voting rights.

• LWVIL launched Phone Call Fridays, a call to action to contact federal representatives and voice how they feel about the state of our government and our democracy.

• It has been a busy legislative cycle! LWVIL endorsed and/or submitted a witness slip for the following bills:

• HB3363 (The FAIR Act), which would secure the availability of competent public defenders in all counties in Illinois

• HB3509/SB0086, which would allow for parole of elderly inmates under certain conditions

• HB1178/SB1784, which would raise the age for juvenile commitment to 14 years old

• HB2545, which would amend the AHPAA to remove barriers to building affordable, supportive housing

• HB1429, which would create a homeless bill of rights

• HB3247, which would prohibit denying enrollment to undocumented children in public schools

• HB1375, which would fund stipends for student teachers

• SB2902, which would regulate public utilities 

• SB1531 and SB1872, which would reduce or eliminate use of polystyrene containers and plastic bags

• HB3614 and SB1723, which would protect sole source aquifers from carbon capture storage and transportation

• HB3596/SB2401, which aims to protect Illinois wetlands

Representing League members across the country, LWVUS also signs onto letters and legal cases supporting League positions:

• LWVUS Urges Congress to Oppose Bill to Cut Federal Funding to Jurisdictions Not Participating in Immigrant Deportations

• LWVUS Urges the Preservation of Public Access to Federal Data

• LWVUS Urges the Senate to Protect DC in CR Negotiations

• LWVUS Writes to the EAC About Executive Order 

• LWVUS Joins Letter to Congress Opposing the SAVE Act 

• LWVUS Joins Letter to House Opposing the SAVE Act 

• LWVUS Thanks Senator Cory Booker for Commitment to Democracy 

• LWVUS Sends Letter to the House Supporting DC

• LWVUS Joins Letter to the House Supporting DC

• LWVUS CEO Sends Testimony in Support of Maryland Voting Rights 

• LWVUS Joins Open Letter to the American People 

• Leagues encouraged everyday citizens to "Turn Up the Heat" by directly contacting elected officials.

• People nationwide spoke out at Light for Our Democracy rallies. Watch the DC rally.

• LWV President Dianna Wynn advised on ways to take grassroots action.