Issues Briefing Addresses Tough Topics

2/19/25

It is in unprecedented times like these that it is most important for the League of Women Voters to make sure voters are armed with facts, context, and actions. On February 8, we held our annual Issues Briefing to hear from experts and community leaders about important issues facing Illinois and the potential threats to fulfilling the League’s mission of defending democracy and advancing equity of opportunity. 

If you did not register for the event, recordings will be available to the public later this Spring.

Here are a few takeaways from the meeting:

Despite the barrage of executive orders coming from the White House over the last few weeks, Law Professor Steve Schwinn believes that many of the executive orders were done with the intention of testing the bounds of Executive Authority. Even if Congress fails to act, he believes that the US Courts, including the Supreme Court, will abide by the limits to power and checks-and-balances described in the US Constitution. His opinion is that while the courts will likely expand presidential powers at least to some degree, limits will ultimately be installed. Many of us appreciated his balanced view.

The White House temporarily rescinded an order to cut all grants and loans—thankfully. But the threat of cuts to safety net programs and services for the common good (like libraries) remain ripe for cuts. Our panel of community leaders made clear the impact that such cuts would have on our communities and encouraged attendees to be vigilant about writing their legislators with personal stories about the impact that cuts to WIC, Food Stamps and food pantries, housing, mental healthcare, and other important support services will have to their lives and their communities.

The final general session presentation was provided by ACLU attorney Khadine Bennett. She recognized the assault on DEI by the current administration and its threat to undo years of laws that protect basic civil rights. As we look for opportunities to reinforce the importance of our efforts to be a diverse and inclusive organization that promotes equal opportunity, Khadine reminded us to thank Illinois lawmakers who have supported these values through legislation like protection of voting rights and non-discrimination. 

This is the time for all of us to take visible grassroots action. LWVIL is 3800+ members strong—let’s show our legislators what 3800 united voices sounds like!

Finally, we’d like to extend a very special thank you to our amazing Issues Briefing presenters:

  • Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

  • Steven D. Schwinn, Professor of Law, University of Illinois Chicago

  • Hillary Caron, Senior Policy Advisor, Greater Chicago Food Depository

  • Shoshana Frank, Community Leader and Activist

  • Bruce Johnson, CEO, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

  • Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs, ACLU of Illinois

  • Sara Dady, Immigration Attorney, Dady Law Group LLC

  • Vanessa Esparza-López, Associate Director of Legal Services, National Immigrant Justice Center

  • Alex Reed, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Bureau, Illinois Attorney General’s Office

  • Madeleine Behr, Policy & Communications Director, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation

  • Samira Hanessian, Energy Policy Director, Illinois Environmental Council

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