League Action in February
3/1/24
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 February:
Supported HB 2376 and HB 4448 / SB 2211, legislation that would ban foam foodware and plastic carryout bags from Illinois.
Endorsed legislation to phase out the sale of new, mercury-containing fluorescent lamps in Illinois to decrease pollutants and promote energy efficiency.
Endorsed SB3669 / HB5386, which creates a state program that protects critically important wetlands.
Joined other members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to express its concern about the slow pace of and delays in establishing rules for the Equitable Energy Upgrade Program (EEUP) stakeholder workshop series.
Issued a press release in support of an Independent Legislative Inspector General in Illinois.
Endorsed a position allowing public access (via FOIA) to the judiciary, joining 44 other states who already have similar laws.
Endorsed HB 4500 / SB 2864 for Accuracy in Offense Titles. The bill would change the misleading titles of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (to Unlawful Possession) and Armed Habitual Criminal (to Persistent Unlawful Possession) because the recommended changes more clearly match the offense, and the current language unfairly misstates the severity of the crime and impacts people’s ability to secure housing and employment.
Endorsed SB3600 / HB5431, which would ban the use of restraints for pregnant or postpartum people in jail or prison in Illinois under most conditions.
Endorsed the Community Safety Through Stable Homes Act SB 3680 / HB 5314, which prohibits so-called “crime-free housing and nuisance property” ordinances (CFNOs), which can unfairly lead to the eviction of survivors of domestic violence and people with disabilities. These tenants may call for emergency services or the police out of need or external threat—not because they are bad tenants.
Joined 40 other organizations in requesting funding for a $300 per child Child Tax Credit (CTC). The tax credit is an immediate, meaningful way to directly support to families of half of Illinois’ kids.
Representing League members across the country, LWVUS also signs onto letters and legal cases supporting League positions: