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Issues Briefing is over, but the valuable resources remain here for all to use. Take a look—be informed and prepared so you can advocate for change in your community and state.
Questions? Please contact communications@lwvil.org.
Opening Plenary
Defending Democracy: Threats to Elections
What obstacles did Illinois voters confront in the 2022 general election? Speakers will compare the election to previous years, look at national trends, and reflect on issues that might affect the upcoming 2023 municipal elections.
Click below to learn more about the featured speakers.
Morning Breakout Sessions
1. Racism in Our Schools
How can we reduce racial discrimination in our schools? Speakers will examine racial inequities in education, consider how past funding has exacerbated these problems, and discuss legislation in the General Assembly that has the potential to address these issues.
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2. Carbon Capture and Sequestration: What is it and why should we be concerned?
Carbon capture and storage is an attempt to remove carbon dioxide after burning gas, oil, coal or biomass before it enters the atmosphere and then transport it by pipeline to be stored underground. The recently-enacted Inflation and Reduction Act includes incentives for the energy industry to implement carbon capture and storage projects. Does the promise live up to the hype?
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3. Transforming Juvenile Justice: Good outcomes for all with Illinois leading the way
Illinois is changing its approach to juvenile justice. But, while juvenile incarceration after a finding of guilt is being transformed, Illinois lags behind other nations (and certain states) in following international standards that prohibit prosecution and detention of young children and that prohibit prosecution of children as adults. We will learn what other countries can teach us about alternative approaches to treating juvenile offenders.
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Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1. Good Intentions vs. Good Laws: Why Housing Advocacy Matters
From the well-intentioned, post-depression US and National Housing Acts of the 1930's that created home buyer assistance and public housing, to today, the federal government has provided states with billions of dollars to help provide stable, accessible housing for working families who cannot afford to pay market rates.
Speakers will examine how fair and affordable housing efforts have generally failed those who most need the assistance and have created new barriers to implementing sound housing initiatives in the future. The session will also explore recent efforts in Illinois to modify and enhance existing regulations.
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2. Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue
Consider that gun violence in America and Illinois is a public health issue and, as such, demands an urgent, multifaceted, nonpartisan response. This gun violence prevention session will convene a panel discussion on this topic. The panel will include several experts in this field, including an emergency room doctor who regularly treats victims caught in this crisis.
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3. What’s next for reproductive rights in Illinois?
The League of Women Voters has played a critical role in ensuring that Illinois remains a haven state for abortion access. Keeping and expanding abortion access in Illinois now has implications for the Midwest region and nationwide. Join us for a discussion about what comes next for the reproductive rights movement in Illinois in 2023 and beyond.
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Closing Plenary
Empowering Voters: How to Get a GrassRoots Bill Passed
We know the basic process for passing a bill in the Illinois General Assembly, but it may be more difficult than we know. What roadblocks must be overcome by advocates who aren’t legislators? Find out from our speakers, who have achieved success in addressing local issues, have helped others achieve success by serving as lobbyists and advisors, or are working on something new.
Click below to learn more about the featured speakers.
