Where We Stand: 2019-2021 Program

Where We Stand 2019-2021 Program

The League of Women Voters of Illinois 332 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 525 Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 312-939-5935 [email protected] www.lwvil.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forword 3 LWVIL Natural Resources Positions League Principles 3 Land Use: Comprehensive Policy 47 Action Foci 5 Developmental Impact Fees 48 REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT Large-Scale Livestock Facilities 49 LWVUS Positions & Illinois Action Pesticides 51 Voting Rights 6 Water-Great Lakes Ecosystem 52 Citizen’s Right to Vote 6 DC Self Government 6 SOCIAL POLICY Election Process 6 LWVUS Positions & Illinois Action Apportionment 6 Equality of Opportunity 56 Campaign Finance 6 Education 56 Selection of the President 11 Employment 56 Citizen Rights 11 Nondiscrimination 57 Right to Know and Participate 11 Fair Housing 57 Individual Liberties 12 Equal Rights 58 Reproductive Choices 12 Fiscal Policy 58 Congress and the Presidency 12 Health Care 59 LWVIL Government Positions Immigration 63 Constitutional Implementation/Amend. 16 Meeting Basic Human Needs 64 County Government Structure 20 Child Care 65 Consolidation of Governmental Units 21 Early Intervention for Children at Risk 65 State Election Laws 22 Violence Prevention 66 Registration and Elections 22 Gun Control 66 State Board of Elections 25 Urban Policy 66 Election Systems Criteria 26 Death Penalty 67 Term Limits 30 Sentencing Policy 67 State Redistricting 30 LWVIL Social Policy Positions Children’s Services 67 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Criminal Justice 73 LWVUS Positions & Illinois Action Death Penalty Abolition 78 United Nations 36 Gun Violence Prevention 80 Trade 36 Handgun Control 80 Relations with Development Countries 36 Assault Weapons Control 81 Arms Control 36 Immigration 83 Military Policy and Defense Spending 36 Income Assistance 86 Low and Moderate Income Housing 89 NATURAL RESOURCES Mental Health 90 LWVUS Positions & Illinois Action Schools 93 Resource Management 37 School Quality 93 Environmental Protection/Pollution Ctrl 38 School Finance 95 Air Quality 38 Higher Education Funding 95 Energy 40 Charter Schools 96 Land Use 42 Water Resources 42 State Fiscal Policies 102 Waste Management 44 Statement on Gambling 108 Action Guidelines for Local Leagues 109 Nuclear Issues 45 Public Participation 46 Agriculture Policy 46 2

FOREWORD

Where We Stand 2019-2021 is the platform of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. It is a companion to Impact on Issues, the League of Women Voters of the United States’ program book. Taken together, these publications and the League Principles form the basis for all action taken by Illinois Leagues on state and national issues.

PROGRAM: Where We Stand, covering the LWVIL state positions and the action foci adopted at the 2019 Convention, is designed to help local Leagues use the state program effectively. The material is organized into four topic sections: Representative Government, International Relations, Natural Resources and Social Policy, corresponding to the order they appear in Impact on Issues. Each section begins with a summary of relevant LWVUS positions and major action taken by Illinois Leagues under those positions. The Illinois LWV positions are then listed in full, followed by a brief historical background and recent action taken, with references to the interrelationship between positions. A summary, Positions in Brief, is included; local Leagues are encouraged to share this section with their members.

PROCEDURES FOR TAKING ACTION: Local Leagues are encouraged to apply national and state positions to local and/or regional issues. Before taking action on national issues, local Leagues must consult with the LWVIL Issues and Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs at [email protected] and the national League. Before taking action on statewide issues, local Leagues must consult with the LWVIL Issues and Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs. On regional issues, local Leagues must consult with all affected Leagues. See “Action Guidelines for Local Leagues” for consultation information.

PURPOSE: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots, multi-issue organization. Any person who subscribes to the purposes and policies of the League, male or female, may become a member of the League. The League’s purposes are: • To establish positions on public policy through member participation and agreement. • To take concerted actions that secure policies consistent with League positions. • To enhance citizen participation in federal, state and local government decisions. • To increase citizen participation in the election process.

LEAGUE PRINCIPLES

The League of Women Voters Believes:

• In representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.

• That democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.

• That every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.

• That efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.

• That responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.

• That cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.

The League of Women Voters of Illinois is committed to the principle that amendments to the federal Constitution should require only a simple majority rather than a 3/5 majority for ratification in Illinois. The federal ratification process requires approval by 2/3 of both houses of Congress and approval by 3/4 of the state legislatures for an amendment to be ratified. We agree that these stringent requirements provide sufficient protection for our Constitution. This interpretation would apply only to the federal Constitution.

Action Under Principles: The Principles are "concepts of government" to which the League subscribes. According to the LWVUS Bylaws, they serve as authorization for adoption of national, state and local positions and as a basis for taking action at the national, state and local levels. However, because the Principles are broad in scope, action based on Principles alone should be undertaken with caution. It is suggested that any action on the Principles be taken in conjunction with present League positions to which they apply and on which member agreement and understanding are known to exist.

LWVIL President: Allyson Haut Copyright 2019 by The League of Women Voters of Illinois, 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite #634, Chicago, Edited by LWVIL Issues Specialists Contributors: IL 60604 Ann Courter, Janet Craft, Krista Grimm, Jan phone: 312/939-5935 fax: 312/939-6887 Kay, Janet Kittlaus, Laura Kratz, Paula Lawson, e-mail:[email protected] website: www.lwvil.org Kathryn Nesburg, Di Niesman, Margaret O’Hara, Jean Pierce, Kim Reed, Mary Klonowski, Jane Ballengee, Sharon Alter

LWVIL Action Foci for 2019-21 Immigration (in alphabetical order) Redistricting

Adopted by Delegates at the June, 2019 Convention Affordable Housing LWVIL Position Update Abolish Electoral College At the 2019 convention, a study was extended Census to update the Criminal Justice position Environment Fiscal: Graduated Rate Income Tax Gun Violence Prevention

LWVUS REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT POSITIONS Summary of League of Women Voters of the United States Positions and Major Action by the Illinois League Complete LWVUS Positions in Impact on Issues.

LWVUS Position: Promote an open governmental system that is The second phase of the project included representative, accountable and responsive. research done by LWVIL staff who interviewed political science and policy LWVIL Action experts for their views on the process and 2003-2005: Democracy Project whether they saw opportunities for LWVIL approved a recommendation from the meaningful public input. LWVIL used this Issues and Action Committee to assess how information to formulate a survey on the well Illinois citizens were truly represented legislative process for 2005 legislative by their elected officials after the Illinois interviews. The Democracy Project House allowed over 250 shell bills to advance Committee also interviewed the legislative to third reading with little description of leaders. In both sets of interviews, opinions substance during the Spring Session. 26 of were divided as to how well the system was those shell bills were then used as vehicles for running. substantial legislation - including budget In spring 2005, local League members legislation - that denied citizens and many conducted their annual legislative interviews legislators time for input. Consistent with the using the legislative process questionnaire. core mission of Making Democracy Work, the At LWVIL Lobby Day in April, members met with available local legislators and acted Democracy Project was designed to as an “Observer Corps”. Responses from strengthen citizen participation and restore legislative interviews and Lobby Day were public confidence in our state government. collected and summarized.

In 2004, League members monitored bills, including shell bills, in the General Assembly. Local Leagues’ in-district legislative interviews solicited a broad range of feedback on shell bills. From these interviews, ways to empower rank and file members throughout the legislative process began to emerge. 5

Voting Rights LWVIL Action: The LWVIL supported the agenda of the national League at the LWVUS Citizen’s Right to Vote 2000 Convention. Local Leagues support this 1976, Revised 1982 effort by responding to LWVUS action alerts.

LWVUS Position: The LWVUS believes that voting is a Election Process

fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. Apportionment 1966, Revised 1982 LWVIL Action: Illinois Leagues worked to increase polling LWVUS Position: place accessibility for the disabled, to expand Support apportionment of congressional voter registration opportunities in the state, districts and elected legislative bodies at all and to pass the 1993 National Voter levels of government based substantially on population. Registration Act (Motor Voter).

LWVIL Action: The Illinois League has 2001: Local Leagues participated in the supported apportionment based on population LWVUS survey of election officials during and a state apportionment process open to the the summer and findings were published in public. (See LWVIL State Redistricting.) November. At the same time, LWVIL conducted its own survey of Illinois election authorities. (See LWVIL State Election Laws Campaign Finance section.) 1974, Revised 1982

2002: With LWVIL support Congress passed LWVUS Position: the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Improve methods of financing political This major piece of legislation calls for campaigns in order to ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue numerous election reforms that affect many influence, enable candidates to compete parts of the electoral process including a more equitably for public office and promote requirement that each state form a planning citizen participation in the political process. committee to help guide its implementation Note: This position is applicable to all within the state. The LWVIL president federal campaigns for public office, primaries served on Illinois’ planning committee for as well as general elections and may be voter education and outreach. applied to state and local campaigns.

DC Self-Government and Full Background: Regulation in Illinois Voting Representation In 1974, the Illinois General Assembly - in Revised 1982 and 2000 the post-Watergate era reform movement - passed a law to require the reporting of LWVUS Position: campaign receipts and expenditures (10- Secure for the citizens of the District of ILCS5/0-1). While many other states and the Columbia the rights of self-government and federal government placed limits on full voting representation in both houses of contributions and expenditures, prohibited Congress. corporate entities from contributing or spending on politics, and adopted public 6

financing systems, Illinois chose to adopt a strengthening state laws regulating lobbying law that relied exclusively on two interrelated of state government and providing for mechanisms to accomplish its purpose: voluntary public funding of Appellate and disclosure and reporting. Candidates for Supreme court election campaigns. public office and political party organizations were required to disclose the sources of Illinois Campaign for Political Reform contributions and how they spent those 1995: LWVIL joined the Task Force on contributions. Campaign Finance Reform in Illinois, a project of Illinois Issues and the Institute for LWVIL became active in the area of Public Affairs, to research and promote public Campaign Finance Reform in the mid-1990’s. discussion of the role of money in politics. In 1995, LWVIL joined the Task Force on Campaign Finance Reform in Illinois, a 1997: The final project report, Tainted project of Illinois Issues and the Institute for Democracy: How Money Distorts the Public Affairs, to research and promote public Election Process In Illinois and What Must discussion of the role of money in politics. Be Done to Reform the Campaign Finance Following the final project report, Tainted System, was published in January. The Democracy: How Money Distorts the LWVIL Education Fund subsequently Election Process in Illinois and What Must received a Joyce Foundation grant to study Be Done to Reform the Campaign Finance the feasibility of building a statewide System in January 1997, the Joyce Foundation coalition to conduct educational outreach on gave a grant to the Education Fund to build a the issue. statewide organization. The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), to promote The study resulted in a two-year Joyce public understanding, support, and advocacy Foundation grant to the Education Fund for reforming the Illinois campaign finance beginning in September 1997, to build a system was formed and spun off as an entity statewide organization, the Illinois Campaign separate from League. LWVIL has for Political Reform (ICPR), to promote continuously worked with ICPR and other public understanding, support, and advocacy partners to promote campaign finance and for reforming the Illinois campaign finance ethics legislation. system. This grant was renewed in the fall of 1999 for two years. In the spring of 2001, LWVIL Action: ICPR spun off as a separate not-for-profit The League has supported public financing of entity. campaigns and campaign finance and government ethics reforms in Illinois. Illinois Gift Ban Act 1998: The General Assembly passed ethics Measures supported by the League include and campaign finance reform legislation contribution limits, a statewide voters guide known as the Gift Ban Act (P.A. 90-0737) in for constitutional officers, barring the spring. LWVIL was generally supportive government officials from soliciting of the measure as a first step in reforming campaign contributions from people or campaign finance in Illinois. A lower state businesses they regulate, setting a limit on court judge ruled the Ban unconstitutional lobbyist gifts to elected officials, prohibiting because it prohibited gifts above a “nominal” political activity by state employees on state value. The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the time, creating an ethics commission, Act in May 2002.

special interest groups that buy broadcast Contributions Limits Bill time, among other reforms. 1999: The statewide LWVIL Campaign Finance Reform Committee initiated a bill In the fall Veto Session, a comprehensive that passed the Illinois House Election and ethics package passed (P.A. 93-065). Local Campaign Reform Committee with a League members lobbied their legislators and bipartisan vote, but died in the House Rules LWVIL participated in a Springfield press Committee. conference along with other CFRC members.

2000: LWVIL Committee worked to forward Public Financing of Judicial Elections legislation focused on public funding, a After reviewing the League position on the statewide voter guide and the elimination of merit selection of judges (see Constitutional direct corporate and union contributions. Implementation and Amendments), delegates to the 2003 LWVIL Convention adopted a Ethics Reform position allowing the League to advocate for 2001: Local Leagues circulated petitions the public financing of judicial elections calling for ethics reform legislation. LWVIL which constitutes an opportunity to limit the participated on the Illinois Voters Guide task size and type of campaign contributions as a force that presented its final report in 2001. means of combating undue influence in the LWVIL initiated a second contribution limits election process. bill and, working with the Campaign Finance Reform Coalition (CFRC), League supported Pay to Play legislation to ban gambling contributions to LWVIL strongly supported 2007 legislation campaigns, reinstate ethics legislation and to prohibit contributions from business promote a statewide voters guide for owners to any elected officials who award constitutional officers. them state contracts of more than $50,000. The bill finally became law (P.A. 95-0971) 2002: The League and the CFRC distributed late in the year, after the General Assembly petitions supporting ethics and asked overrode the Governor’s veto. candidates running for state constitutional office and the state legislature to sign an The LWVIL also supported bills to: ethics pledge. League and CFRC worked for • Strengthen state laws regulating lobbying of legislation (P.A. 92-0853) barring state government and government officials from soliciting • Provide for voluntary public funding of campaign contributions from people or Appellate and Supreme Court election businesses they regulate, license, or inspect, campaigns. and setting a $100 a year limit on lobbyist Additional LWVIL advocacy gifts to elected officials. included written testimony submitted to the IL General Assembly Committee on Elections 2003: LWVIL and CFRC supported and Campaign Finance Reform on behalf of a legislation to prohibit political activity by campaign contribution limits bill and a state employees on state time, create ethics statement supporting a Transparency in commissions with enforcement powers for Government Bill that would require the both the legislative and executive branches, Illinois Treasurer’s Office to list publicly and increase disclosure requirements for where the state’s money is invested.

2009 Illinois Reform Commission - investigate and impose penalties for CHANGE Illinois violations. In response to corruption charges against and subsequent impeachment of the sitting Campaign Finance and Ethics Reform governor in early 2009, the Illinois Lieutenant Both the 2009 and 2011 LWVIL Governor created the Illinois Reform Conventions, continuing work that has taken Commission and the General Assembly place since the late 1990’s, readopted a convened the Joint Committee on Campaign Finance Reform Action Focus Government Reform. CHANGE Illinois, a new coalition of civic, business, labor, In the fall of 2009, major campaign finance professional, non-profit and philanthropic reform legislation (PA 96-0832) became law. organizations was formed. LWVIL - along It took effect on January 1, 2011 and changed with CHANGE Illinois - called for an end to the way in which Illinois regulates the use of Illinois’ unregulated campaign finance system money to influence political campaigns. This and for creation of a system of campaign legislation was Illinois’ first successful contribution limits, like those in use at the federal level. attempt to impose contribution limits on the amount of money that individuals, 2009: LWVIL presented testimony to the corporations, unions, associations, and PACs Joint Committee on Government Reform in can give to candidates and political parties in March and our members contacted their primary and general elections. Additionally, legislators. The General Assembly passed the new law imposed some limits on the HB7 which fell short of real reform. With movement of money between political pressure from LWVIL members, the press and the public, the governor vetoed the bill. committees in primary elections. However, PA 96-0832 did not provide for limits on CHANGE Illinois and LWVIL urged the contributions from political party and governor and legislative leaders to work legislative caucus committees to candidate together to craft stronger reform legislation to political committees in general elections. be passed during the October Veto Session. An efficient and effective law to control PA 96-0832 established a framework for contributions needs the following: more frequent disclosure of contributions and • Reasonable limits applied to all individual expenditures; provided for random audits by and PAC contributions to candidates and the State Board of Elections to ensure parties; compliance with the laws; and enhanced • Limits on fund transfers among political penalties for violations of the law’s committees, as well as coordinated provisions. expenditures on behalf of a candidate; • Limits on contributions to candidates 2011-2013: PA 96-0832 also created the applied by each election cycle, not each Illinois Campaign Finance Reform Task calendar year; Force (IL CFRTF) charged with considering a • More complete and frequent disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures; system of public financing by State • A strengthened oversight agency with government for the conduct and finance of sufficient authority and resources to enforce election campaigns, and conducting a the law, conduct random audits, and thorough review of the implementation of

campaign finance reform legislation in serve as a resource to the LWVUS Board on Illinois and producing reports periodically. campaign finance issues including short-term The LWVIL has presented testimony to the and long-term strategies for reform. In April 2013 the LWVUS reaffirmed that it is not IL CFRTF on three occasions. On supporting a constitutional amendment to 12/15/2011 the LWVIL urged the Task Force reverse the Citizens United v. FEC ruling to recommend that the General Assembly dealing with independent campaign consider a system of public financing. The expenditures at this time because it has not LWVIL presented a statement at the yet found a proposed amendment that can be 1/17/2013 hearing calling for greater supported within our positions. transparency in elections, and for closing 2014: League members were asked to contact loopholes in Illinois’ Election Code by the IRS about proposed regulations for requiring greater disclosure of independent 501(c)(4) organizations that would expenditures. At the 4/22/13 hearing the significantly change what kind of political LWVIL urged the IL CFRTF to recommend activity and how much of that activity a that the General Assembly maintain campaign 501(c)(4) organization could carry out. The contribution limits. The IL CFRTF was to regulations would rein in the secret “dark submit its final report on 3/10/15. That report money” in elections but would undermine the has not been issued. League’s ability to conduct truly nonpartisan LWVIL opposed legislation in 2012 and 2013 voter service activities. that removes contribution limits in some races The League opposed (PA98-1129) legislation eroding the effectiveness of the 2009 that reduced government transparency by legislation. PA 97-0766 (2012) removes limiting the ability of citizens to seek public limits on all contributions to all candidates records under the Freedom of Information running in an election where spending by an Act. It is more difficult for citizens to obtain independent expenditure committee (or super a large volume of records. PAC) reaches a threshold amount of $250,000 in support of a candidate in a statewide race LWVUS: The 2014 Convention adopted a or $100,000 for all other elective offices. PA comprehensive program combining study and 98-0115 (2013) the Election Code Omnibus review of key, specific structures of American Bill removes contribution limits in races democracy consisting of a study of the where multiple Super PACs combine to spend process of amending the U.S. Constitution, above $250,000 in a statewide race or including constitutional conventions, and a $100,000 in any other race. Consequently, review and update of the League position on contributions limits will be lifted for more campaign finance. Local Leagues will legislative and statewide races. participate in the study in 2015-16. A new Campaign Finance position should be adopted The LWVUS 2012 Convention adopted a motion to support a comprehensive program by LWVUS prior to the June 2016 to educate members and communities on the convention. issue of campaign finance. The LWVUS appointed a Campaign Finance Task Force to 10

2015: The League opposed legislation that Selection of the President would exempt municipalities from disclosing 1970, revised 1982, Updated 2004, key financial information about contract and Revised 2010 events held at publicly-owned venues, LWVUS Position: preventing the public from knowing what Promote the election of the President and Vice-President by direct-popular- vote. some municipalities are doing with tax dollars Support uniform national voting qualifications and the facilities owned and operated with and procedures for presidential elections. taxpayer money. Support efforts to provide voters with sufficient information about candidates. The League supported (PA) 99-0437 legislation that closed a reporting gap and Background and LWVIL Action: LWVIL members participated in the position increased the frequency of reporting review adopted at the 2002 LWVUS requirements for independent expenditures Convention. related to campaigns. National Popular Vote Compact 2017: The League supported SB1424, the The Illinois General Assembly passed Small Donor Democracy Matching System legislation that created an agreement among for Fair Elections Act, which would create a the states to elect the president under a small donor campaign contribution matching National Popular Vote Compact. LWVIL system for candidates for IL State took no action on this legislation. Constitutional Offices and the State At the time when Illinois was one of only four states that had adopted the Compact, Legislature. delegates to the 2008 LWVUS Convention SB2089, legislation that closes a loophole in adopted a fast-track study of the advisability of using it as a method for electing the U.S. the Election Code by requiring tax-exempt President. LWVIL members participated in 501(c)(4),501(c)(5) and 501(c)(6) the study. In May 2009 the national board organizations, defined as political action announced the League’s position affirming its committees, ballot initiative committees and support of the direct election of the president independent expenditure committees by the and abolition of the Electoral College. Internal Revenue Code, who make contributions to candidates to report their Citizen Rights donors was supported by LWVIL. Citizen’s Right to Know and LWVUS: Following a national study adopted an updated position on Money in Politics in April Citizen Participation 2016, making League better able to respond to 1984 current campaign finance issues LWVUS Position: Protect the citizen's right to know and The League will continue to work to facilitate citizen participation in government decision making. strengthen Campaign Finance Reform

Legislation and follow the progress of the IL LWVIL Action Campaign Finance Reform Task Force. Since the adoption of Illinois' Open Meetings Act in 1957 and revisions/ 11

amendments to the act in 1995, LWVIL has LWVUS to work for abolition of the USA supported legislation to strengthen the act and PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening opposed proposals to weaken it. Local America by Providing Appropriate Tools Leagues have used the act frequently while Required to Intercept and Obstruct monitoring their local governments. Terrorism). Many local Leagues held public 1983: LWVIL supported the Freedom of education forums on provisions of the Act. Information Act and the Open Records Act, to allow citizens, civic organization members 2004: League members were asked to support and the media access to documents, records the Security and Freedom Ensure (SAFE) and reports kept on file by state and local Act to address some of the most problematic governments. provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

2004: LWVIL opposed legislation which Public Policy on would have limited the time to sue after receiving notice of denial of appeal of a Reproductive Choices request for disclosure of documents. 1983 LWVUS position:

Protect the constitutional right of privacy of 2009: Legislation to strengthen FOIA was the individual to make reproductive choices. passed but in November 2010, HB 5154 (PA 96-1483) became law, limiting the public’s LWVIL ACTION right to access performance records of public LWVIL supports measures to protect a employees; disclosure of performance woman's access to reproductive health care, evaluations is prohibited under the Personnel including the Freedom of Choice Act, and to Record Review Act. assure safe entrance to health care facilities.

The League continues to monitor the LWVIL opposes efforts to require parental implementation of these acts. consent and notification for procedures.

Individual Liberties Note: July 2013 Illinois Supreme Court 1982 upheld 1995 law that requires doctors notify LWVUS Position: parents of girls 17 and younger who seek an Oppose major threats to basic constitutional abortion. rights. 1999: League opposed legislative efforts to LWVIL Action prohibit so-called "partial-birth" abortions 2000: LWVIL supported a series of and efforts to restrict the use of Medicaid legislative initiatives designed to codify in monies to fund abortions. League was Illinois the Federal Violence Against successful in persuading the Governor to veto Women Act that would have provided civil a bill that would have banned payment for remedies for gender based violence. LWVIL medically necessary abortions for women supported legislation requiring the Secretary receiving Medicaid health benefits. of State to determine the extent of racial profiling in traffic stops. 2009-11 In 2010 LWVIL, as part of the Campaign for 2003: LWVIL Convention delegates Reproductive Health and Access, signed a approved a Will of the Convention calling for letter to the Governor encouraging the state to 12

focus efforts on funding for evidence based introduced in 2012, and 2 similar bills in programs with proven effectiveness in 2013. HB2683, The Ultrasound Opportunity preventing teen pregnancy. Subsequently Act, requires an ultrasound to be performed Title V abstinence-only funds were rejected prior to any abortion irrespective of medical by Illinois in favor of Personal Responsibility management, and HB 2684 requires a clinic Education (PREP) funds included in the performing more than 50 abortions a year Affordable Care Act. LWVIL supported meet stringent Surgical Treatment Center SB1619 introduced in 2011 to implement the license requirements. LWVIL sent witness PREP in Illinois public schools that offer sex slips to oppose both HB2683 and HB2684. education grades 6-12. The curriculum As in previous year these bills did not come provides information on both abstinence and up for a vote. prevention. Parents can remove their children from these classes for any reason. lllinois 2013-2015 received $2.33 million from federal PREP to Comprehensive Sex Education, signed into cover training costs. law August 2013 requires public schools that have sex education programs for grades 6-12 LWVIL signed on to a CRH&A letter to to develop a curriculum medically accurate, Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review age appropriate, and complete, teaching Board regarding Certificate of Need in the abstinence and other methods to prevent asset purchase agreement between Vanguard pregnancy, and Sexually Transmitted Health Systems and two 2 suburban Chicago Infections. Parents may have their children hospitals. The objection was to Vanguard’s opt out of the program. LWVIL supported agreeing to maintain religiously-based this bill and similar bills not brought to a vote restrictions on reproductive health services at two previous sessions. these hospitals which were non-sectarian before affiliation with Resurrection. Purchase Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby, a challenge to the went through with restrictions unchanged. ACA by employers who contended they cannot be required to provide certain 2011-2013 reproductive health coverage for employees if The Affordable Care Act it violates the employers’ religious beliefs. Reproductive health was at issue in the 2012 The Supreme Court of the U.S. voted 5 to 4 Presidential primaries, general election and on 6/30/14 to uphold a corporation’s right to in a number of state contests. A proposed refuse to provide contraception based on the HHS regulation that would require insurance Religious Freedom and Restoration Act. companies to provide contraception without co-pay, as recommended by the Institute of LWVUS filed an Amicus Brief in opposition. Medicine, was opposed by religious An excerpt follows. organizations ( LWVIL sent a letter of The League of Women Voters has a long-standing support to HHS). Despite exemptions for interest in programs and policies that provide access to churches and smaller institutions, but not health care for all residents of the United States. Since health systems 1992, when League members studied the issue of health care, we have worked for comprehensive and universities, the issue remains health care coverage for all Americans. The League contentious. also has a strong commitment to the concept that Illinois Reproductive Health Bills public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the Bills to limit abortion were filed in past three right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive years, part of a national trend. Two bills were choices.” 13

2015 LWVIL filed witness slips and TFA in pass.The law removed a trigger in 1975 support of a bill that amends the Illinois Illinois abortion law should Roe v Wade be Right of Conscience law requiring that struck providers give patients information to make down by the U.S. Supreme Court; permits decisions on their health care when the abortion funding for Medicaid and state provider has religious objections. Providers employees. After bill passed both houses in can document religious objections if protocols May, a motion to reconsider was filed, a are in place to insure the patient is fully procedural maneuver to allow time for further informed of the accepted standard of care for advocacy. Although the Governor had their condition and where to obtain care. indicated he would veto the bill, he ultimately Many providers with religious objections, signed it into law. though not all, have such protocols in place. . SB 1564 passed the Senate, House deadline SB1564 Healthcare Right of Conscience extended to 9/30/15. Act became law July 2016: amends Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act to In 2015 LWVIL again filed witness slips ensure a patient’s right to medically accurate opposing two bills requiring ultrasounds to be and complete information, including a referral viewed by the patient before an abortion and even though a provider has religious or moral stringent standards for licensure of abortion objections. The next month the U.S. District facilities. Similar bills have been filed in Court ruled against enforcement of the law state legislatures across the country often due to start January 1, 2017. More litigation using the same template. So far none have followed, allowing a Rockford clinic come to a vote in Illinois temporary relief from the law’s provisions. Currently five lawsuits are pending and a 2015-17 The League took steps to protect the complaint filed with the DHHS Office of constitutional right of privacy of the Civil Rights on behalf of a clinic in Sterling, individual to make reproductive choices. IL. LWVIL monitored the following bills President Trump and Congressional restricting abortion. None came to a vote. Republicans vowed to repeal the Affordable HB282 amends 1975 Abortion law; HB283 Care Act as a first order of business in medically unnecessary ultrasound and waiting 2017.The ACA required Reproductive Health period for surgical or medication abortion, services including contraception, resulting in data filed without confidentiality; HB4108 a Supreme Court case. A group of religious reinstates trigger provision were Roe vs. non-profits challenged employer provision of Wade struck down, criminalizing abortion, contraceptives. A divided court returned the bans state funding; HB4114, SB2241 defines case to lower courts for resolution. In May an unborn child from conception as having President Trump ended the impasse by US Constitutional rights, no exceptions for issuing an Executive Order exempting rape, incest, women’s health, bans DHS religious employers from providing grants and referrals for abortion; HB78 contraception. The appointment of Judge Neil eliminates funding for abortions. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court eliminated the even numbered court, opening speculation on 2018 - 2019 future rulings on reproductive health. Issues 2017 HB 40: LWVIL worked with the The Affordable Care Act required Reproductive Reproductive Health and Access Coalition to Health services including contraception, resulting 14

in a Supreme Court case. A group of religious 1975, the long-blocked Partial Birth Abortion Act, non-profits challenged employer provision of and takes abortion out of the criminal code. contraceptives. A divided court returned the case Requires insurance companies to add abortion to to lower courts for resolution but President Trump current coverage of contraception, infertility ended the impasse by issuing an Executive Order treatment and maternity care. LWVIL monitored, exempting religious employers from providing but leadership never gave approval to contraception. support. The last week of May it was added to Supreme Court. The appointment of Judge Neil SB25, as House Amendment1, passed both Gorsuch to the Supreme Court eliminated the Houses on May 31st, and was signed by the even numbered court, opening speculation on Governor on June 12th future reproductive health rulings. In October 2018 Judge Brett Kavanaugh was also SB1594 Repeal Parental Notice for Abortion confirmed. He brings to the Court a record of Act Would have repealed the law that requires a opposition to the ACA, abortion and healthcare provider to notify an adult family contraception, solidifying the Court’s member prior to performing an abortion for a conservative tilt. patient under age 18. Signed in Support and In the beginning of 2019, several states passed advocated for bill, but it remains in Committee. very restrictive abortion laws. The probable goal of these laws is to bring a case before the For information on Public Policy and LWVIL Supreme Court to end Roe v Wade. New York actions on Reproductive Choices, including Affordable Care Act provisions, see LWVUS has passed a liberal law that treats abortion as position on Health under Social Policy health care, with no restrictions until 24 weeks Positions. gestation. Illinois also passed a law that treats abortion as healthcare, between a woman and her Congress and the Presidency healthcare provider, with no restrictions. Congress

1972, Revised 1982 Title X Family Planning services. Recent final rules include funding for organizations providing LWVUS Position: only “natural family planning,” not the range of Support responsive legislative processes effective contraception ACA requires. The rules characterized by accountability, also block funds to family planning providers, representativeness, decision-making such as Planned Parenthood, which also provide capability and effective performance. abortion services. 23 States Attorney Generals, No recent LWVIL action. the AMA and family planning organizations filed legal challenges. The Presidency League Action 1976, revised 1982

HB 2495 Illinois Reproductive Health Act, LWVUS Position: established the fundamental right to reproductive Promote a dynamic balance of power health. Provides that every individual possesses between the executive and legislative rights with respect to personal decisions about branches within the framework set by the their reproductive health, between them and their Constitution. healthcare provider, with limited governmental interference. Repeals the IL Abortion Law of No recent LWVIL action.

LWVIL STATE GOVERNMENT POSITIONS

deemed valid, the question is placed on the ballot.) Constitutional Implementation and In addition, the Illinois League opposes constitutional amendments to provide for Amendments optional, compulsory or advisory referenda 1977, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1998 and 2003 for statutes initiated by the legislature. The League supports statutory provisions League of Women Voters of Illinois Position: requiring that those who pass and sign LWVIL supports: petitions be registered voters, and opposes • Implementation of the constitutional requiring a representative geographical mandate to the legislature to provide an distribution of signers or petitions. (Note: orderly transfer process when units of In 1999, the US Supreme Court invalidated government are dissolved or their structure Colorado’s requirement that referenda or boundaries are changed. circulators be registered voters. In response • An appointed State Board of Education with to these rulings, the Illinois General authority to name the state superintendent Assembly changed the Illinois Election of education. Code in 2001. Illinois law now conforms to • Flexible annual sessions of the legislature the Federal Constitutional voting • A revenue article with as little restrictive requirements that circulators be at least 18 detail as possible, and which does not years old and a United States citizen. (This contain limitations on tax rates or bonding change in the Election Code essentially power and does not prohibit any particular voids the LWVIL position that petition tax. passers and signers be registered voters.) • A graduated income tax. • Constitutional initiative for the legislative The League supports merit selection as the article. ideal method to appoint judges to the courts • Compulsory referendum for constitutional in Illinois. Since 2003, in light of a amendments. longtime League goal of limiting political • Merit selection of judges, with provision for influence in the selection of judges, the public financing at Supreme and Appellate escalating cost of judicial races and slow Court levels. progress towards the goals of merit • Recall of elected judges. selection, the League also has advocated working for public financing of judicial The League supports indirect statutory and elections at the Supreme Court and constitutional initiative, a process by which Appellate Court levels. citizens can petition for enactment of a law or the passage of a constitutional Background: amendment by the legislature. If the Ratification of the 1970 Constitution was the legislature fails to act within a specified culmination of almost 30 years of League time, the proposed law or amendment is effort to repair or replace the Constitution of placed on the ballot at the next election. 1870. . A Constitutional Study Commission (This is in contrast to direct statutory and chaired by Representative Marjorie Pebworth, constitutional initiatives that bypass the LWVIL President, 1961-1963 deserves much legislature. After petitions have received Of the credit for passing a resolution by the the required number of signatures and are

General Assembly in 1967 to call a since they were in the federal Revenue Constitutional Convention Sharing Program (now eliminated). Local Leagues, however, may work for the Beginning in 1967, LWVIL embarked on an dissolution of special districts and/or the all-out campaign to convince the electorate of elimination of specific townships following the need for a new constitution. The 1969 local study. LWVIL Convention directed a study on constitutional revision. The League took on The 1973 LWVIL Convention adopted the the challenge and quickly completed in-depth constitutional item to incorporate the studies leading to: unfinished business of implementing and amending the Constitution. • Positions on the executive, legislative, apportionment, cumulative voting, The 1979 LWVIL Convention adopted a amending process and suffrage. study of the process of public initiative, • Position on local government. referendum and recall for Illinois. Positions • Reaffirmation of the 1949 judicial position, reached in this study are now a part of this which had been the basis for modernizing item. the courts in 1963. 1988: The 1987 LWVIL Convention adopted These positions, along with existing positions a study of the need for a Constitutional on education, revenue, environment and Convention with direction that it be human rights, enabled the League to testify completed in time for the League to play a on each article of the proposed Constitution. role in affecting the outcome of the League observers or lobbyists covered all November 1988 referendum on the issue. sessions of the Constitutional Convention, Members concluded overwhelmingly that a and most of the committee hearings. Constitutional Convention was not needed at that time. and the LWVIL undertook a At a statewide meeting in 1970, the League vigorous campaign to defeat the referendum. approved the work of the Constitutional LWVIL joined Committee to Preserve the Convention. Again a successful all-out Illinois Constitution and participated campaign was waged for ratification of the extensively at both the state and local levels proposed constitution. LWVIL also in urging a No vote on Con-Con. The supported two of the four separate submission League's efforts were successful, with voters items: merit selection of judges and single- rejecting the Constitutional Convention call member districts, neither of which passed. by a 2-1 margin.

Early League efforts to implement the 1970 2008: The 2007 LWVIL Convention adopted Constitution were directed toward the Local another study of the need for a State Government Article in order to strengthen Constitutional Convention that would be county and municipal government, encourage asked of voters on the November 2008 ballot. intergovernmental cooperation, and eliminate Of the 31 local Leagues participating, 27 townships or restrict their powers. The opposed holding a convention; four were League voted to drop the local government undecided. The LWVIL Board voted to item from the state program in 1977 because adopt a position opposing the call to of successes in the first two areas and because convention because: abolishing township government was unlikely

• There was a high risk of exposing the entire questionnaire submitted to them, League constitution to revision and possible loss of members did not support a return to the gains made in the 1970 constitution. cumulative voting. • The cost of the convention. • Relative ease of the amendment process Merit Selection of Judges with the 1970 Constitution. The League has been a strong advocate for • Concern about the influence of special merit selection of judges, working over the interest groups in both delegate selection years for a merit selection amendment. The and the convention discussions. legislature has failed thus far to place the issue on the ballot. In October 2000, the • Concern about the delegate election LWVIL Board reaffirmed the merit selection process. position, choosing not to support public • Risk that the current dysfunction in state financing as an incremental step toward government would extend to the achieving merit selection. convention, since the General Assembly However, at the 2001 LWVIL Convention, a would set the parameters for the election of Will of the Convention Motion directed the delegates as well as the budget for the LWVIL Board to reexamine the merit convention. selection position to determine “a plan of • Public education on the issues was lacking. action for implementation of the position in • Many of the changes that citizens were the current political environment.” requesting were available legislatively. Convention delegates wanted to know if the original study allowed for incremental steps Once again, LWVIL members campaigned to to ensure an independent judiciary. defeat the Convention referendum for a Convention and, as a member of the Alliance A review of League history and action to Protect the Illinois Constitution, dealing with merit selection of judges participated in a strong, highly visible and revealed that, between 1967 and 1986, the wide-spreads media campaign to defeat the League had supported a number of different proposal. On November 4, 2008, the call to combination “local option” and mandatory convention was defeated with about 58% of merit selection proposals. LWVIL supported the voters saying no. the local option proposals as the “only politically realistic way to go.” Based on this Specific Constitutional Provisions review, the Board concluded, and the 2003 The League's 1969/1979 position on LWVIL Convention concurred, that support reducing the size of the legislature with for public financing of judicial elections is single-member districts and eliminating in keeping with the position’s goals, cumulative voting was implemented with the particularly in light of the escalating costs of passage of the cutback amendment. This judicial races and slow progress towards the achievement allowed LWVIL to drop the goals of merit selection. position from the program in 1989. Local Government 1999: LWVIL Convention adopted a study of The League continues to support the enactment cumulative voting, contingent on available of legislation to provide a process for the funding. Cumulative voting was a component orderly transfer of power when units of of the Election Systems Study (1999-2002). government are dissolved or their structure or In responding to the Election Systems boundaries are changed. Lack of such enabling

legislation has been a major obstacle to local require a three-fifths vote of the General decisions to change the structure of government. Assembly to increase taxes. In the belief that the proposal went beyond the limited Home Rule citizen initiative allowed under the The League strongly supports provisions in Constitution and was contrary to the the 1970 Constitution that allow certain local principles of responsible fiscal policy, the governments to adopt home rule. The League LWVIL formed a coalition which filed an opposes any attempt to restrict this option. amicus brief in the successful legal Although the LWVIL position supports the challenge to the amendment. The League home rule provision in the constitution, a successfully opposed an effort in the state local League must complete a local study if legislature to approve a similar members want to take a position on the constitutional amendment for the November question of home rule for their own 1996 ballot. community. 2009-2011: The Judicial Performance Recall and Term Limits Amendments Commission of Cook County—Pilot (See State Election Laws) Project As merit selection of judges and money in Other LWVIL action judicial elections again came to the public’s • Protected the League’s position for an attention, the LWVIL teamed up with the appointed State Board of Education with Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice, in authority to appoint a State Superintendent cooperation with the Chicago Council of by opposing attempts to abolish the Board, Lawyers, to participate in a Judicial elect Board members or elect the Performance Commission of Cook County Superintendent. (JPC). Two LWV members served as • Opposed proposals to restrict the Commissioners, educating Cook County consideration of appropriations and voters about which judges should not retained substantive legislation to single sessions of and to identify judicial performance issues the legislature. which, while not disqualifying, are things the • Opposed efforts to make the Revenue JPC believes can and should be remedied. article more restrictive. Since its inception, the Commission has • Opposed efforts to abolish judicial • Submitted evaluation reports for 22 judges retention, by which a sitting judge runs on a (with performance issues) to the presiding nonpartisan ballot on his or her record only. judges where they sat; • Successfully supported an amendment on • Met with Chief Judge Evans; the November 1998 ballot calling for the • Designed a court watching program. appointment of two citizen members to the Court watchers are being identified and Courts Commission. A commission with trained for program expansion. authority to discipline judges was part of the League’s position on the Constitution in For action on constitutional proposals made 1970. under other LWVIL positions, see: • Played a leadership role in coordinating Term Limits, School Finance, Right to bail - opposition to a proposed constitutional Criminal Justice, and laws protecting children amendment scheduled to appear on the under Children’s Services. November 1990 ballot. The Tax Accountability Amendment sought to

Supreme Court ruled that, under present law, County Government a citizen-initiated referendum on the size of a Structure county board is not binding. 1991 LWVIL Position: The DuPage County Inter-League • Citizens in each county should have the Organization (ILO) studied the county power to initiate change in the structure of executive form of government. After county government. Structure refers to examining the Illinois County Executive Act, form of government; number of county the League found many problems. In board members; single member, at-large or particular, under the current Act, the county multimember districts or a combination executive serves as the head of both the thereof; county board chairman elected at- legislative and executive branches, which large or by peers; or elected county does not provide the traditional system of executive. checks and balances. Because of this and • Signature requirements for the petition process for citizen-initiated change in the other flaws, the DuPage ILO was unable to structure of county government must be recommend that their county adopt this form reasonable. The number of signatures of government. needed should be a percentage of the actual voters in a recent jurisdiction-wide The Lake County ILO agreed with the election rather than a percentage of the DuPage County ILO that the Illinois County registered voters in the jurisdiction. Executive Act was flawed but preferred a Citizens who have successfully completed different form of county leadership for Lake the initiative process should be assured of County: a county board president elected-at- ballot access. large. Because the Peoria decision denies • The Illinois County Executive Act should citizens the legal power to institute an at-large provide a clear separation of powers chair, the Lake County ILO also recognized between the legislative and executive branches. The Act should provide easily the need to empower Illinois citizens with the understood referendum language for non- authority to enact binding referenda on the home rule counties voting to adopt the structure of county government. county executive form of government. • County legislative bodies should have the The Cook County ILO was successful in right to require independently elected working to increase safeguards against county officials to adhere to the same patronage and procurement favoritism in personnel and procurement systems as county government. The League worked for appointed county department heads. the enactment of a county requirement that independently elected department heads (e.g., Background: sheriff, clerk, recorder of deeds) must abide 1989 LWVIL Convention delegates adopted a by the same personnel and procurement county government structure study. The procedures as appointed department heads. experiences of four Leagues spurred the study Leagues participating in the LWVIL study and formed the basis for concurrence. wanted to be able to support state legislation Although Peoria citizens, by League-initiated that would give their counties the right to referendum, voted three to one in favor of enact similar requirements. reducing their county board from 27 to 9 members, the board refused to accede to the With a grant from the Illinois State Bar voters' wishes. Subsequently, the Illinois Association the League funded research by a

law student on state court decisions on citizen more efficient and effective, local Leagues initiative. The study included petition must consider both the adequacy of the requirements for various citizen referenda in process and the likely effects of the Illinois and a comparison with citizen proposal’s implementation. initiative requirements across the country. In determining whether to support a LWVIL Action: consolidation/ shared services proposal as a No action has ever been taken by the LWVIL way of making government more efficient under this position. Local and County and effective, local Leagues should apply the Leagues take action under this position. following criteria. While it is not necessary that each standard be met, the League recognizes that these standards represent Consolidation of potential benefits of consolidation, leading to Governmental Units and more efficient and effective government: • Will the proposal result in projected cost Sharing of Major savings and a positive effect on taxes over the Governmental Services long term; Adopted by concurrence with a New York • Will the proposal either result in an LWV position 2015 increased quality and/or efficiency of services or, at a minimum, maintain services at LWVIL Position: existing levels; The League of Women Voters of Illinois • Will the proposal fairly address disparities supports the efficient and effective operation in employee contracts; of government. Consolidation (1.) of • Will the proposal result in increased social governmental units and the sharing of major and economic justice; governmental services may be a way of • Will the proposal result in a reduction in the promoting the efficient and effective number of governmental entities? operation of government. In achieving this goal, the League supports a cooperative and As used in this position, consolidation refers transparent process, in which citizens have to both the process of consolidation and the sufficient and timely information with which process of dissolution. to make informed decisions about proposed actions, and well-defined channels for citizen Action: input and review. Administrative and fiscal 2015-17 There has been significant activity efficiency should be included in the criteria on the state and local level to address this by which local governments consider whether issue, however most changes must first occur to consolidate or share major services. in state law. The LWVIL position addresses the factors and process of consolidation or The League supports a system of state-funded elimination of a governmental entity, thereby grants to local governments to study the allowing advocacy and education in this area. feasibility of the consolidation of Because this is a complex and highly governmental units or sharing of politicized issue area, the Issues Committee governmental services. approved the formation of an ad hoc In determining whether to support a committee made up of members from consolidation/shared services proposal at the throughout the state. local level, as a way of making government 21

The mission of this committee was to take In addition, the Government Efficiency positions on the state level and determine the Assessment Dashboard named the Local best way to local League work for the Efficiency Assessment Plan (LEAP) was transparent and informed decision making produced for the Office of Lt. behind consolidation of governmental entities Governor. LEAP includes an electronic and services, both to reduce the number of guidebook and data base that guide local taxing bodies in our state and maintain officials through a six-step process to decide needed government services. The League of which, if any, government units to merge etc. Women Voters of Illinois. The committee or collaborate in different ways to reduce accomplished the following: costs and lower property taxes. League 1. Surveyed local leagues about past and members were invited to the demonstration of present actions taken locally to consolidate the data base. governmental entities and services which was completed by March, 2017 State Election Laws 2. Identified a specialist to join the LWVIL Issues Committee to regularly report on legislative activity and outcomes Registration and Elections 3. Provided a workshop at the 2017 LWVIL 1972 - 1977, revised 1999 Convention LWVIL Position: 4. Sent a representative to attend The League of Women Voters supports uniformity of election laws and procedures informational hearing in Springfield in 2017. throughout the state. Registration and voting 5. Hilary Denk provided testimony to the methods should ensure the integrity of the Committee of the Whole about the LWVIL election system, maximize voters' position and factors to consider when unencumbered access to the ballot, preserve enacting legislation for consolidation. the secrecy of the ballot and ensure accurate and timely vote tabulation. Citizens should have the right to file complaints and writs of LWVIL partnered with the statewide mandamus to force compliance with election organization, Transform Illinois, attending its laws. regular meetings and signing on as an organization to support SB1 which ultimately The League opposes any legislation that would require a declaration of party at the became a Public Act that expanded the time of registration or at any time prior to a DuPage County pilot initiative to three primary election. A voter's selection of a counties (DuPage, Lake and McHenry). This party's ballot in one primary should not be was followed by another Public Act in 2018 binding beyond that election. covering all counties in Illinois by allowing county governments to take the lead on Registration specific consolidation efforts. A combined in-person, digital, and mail registration system should be maintained. 2018-2019 the League continued to partner Citizens with more than one residence should with Transform IL, which endorsed have the option of choosing which residence legislation that would pave the way for the will be the primary residence for registration. The length of residency required to register to use of more modern tools to produce digital vote should be the minimum needed to allow reports in lieu of outdated methods of adequate time for verification and publication submitting PDF reporting. of voter lists. Registration procedures should include safeguards against fraud.

enabled the SBE to bring the consultants back Elections to complete the Illinois Data Export The League supports an efficient, practical Application/Uniform Data Form and regular election schedule. (IDEA/UDF) project. The goal to have the At each polling place there should be election system in place for the March 2004 primary judges from more than one of the major election was not met. political parties. The League supports mandatory training and periodic retraining of all election judges. In tabulating votes, any 2009: In the spring, the SBE announced that mark or other indication that clearly shows voter registration records from all local the intent of the voter should be counted. election authorities had been added to the Additional election officials for tallying ballots Illinois Voter Registration System’s database should be used when conditions necessitate. bringing Illinois into compliance with HAVA’s requirements. LWVIL Actions: 2017: LWVIL submitted testimony opposing Computerized Voter Registration List the continued use of CROSSCHECK, a LWVIL was on record as favoring the system developed by the Kansas Secretary of creation of a computerized statewide voter State to clean voter rolls between states, due registration system since the early 1980’s and to concerns about security and inaccuracy. made that support known to the State Board The Illinois General Assembly is considering of Elections (SBE) several times. legislation on the same topic during the 2018 session. 1998: The SBE formed a study group to develop conceptual design recommendations National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for a voter registration computer network and This item was a national priority throughout the LWVIL Election Laws Specialist was a the 1990‘s. After NVRA was signed into law member. The group’s report was submitted in 1993, the action moved to the states. to the SBE in September 1998, but creation of LWVIL and other supporters were a computerized voter registration system was unsuccessful in getting the General Assembly delayed due to resistance by local election to pass the necessary implementing authorities. There was minimal effort to legislation so, when NVRA became effective implement the group’s recommendations until on January 1, 1995, Illinois was not in 2001 when the SBE hired a consulting firm to compliance. design a computerized voter registration system. Work on the system was proceeding Immediately LWVIL and others, including well until the fall of 2002 when the State the U.S. Department of Justice, filed suits to faced a budget crisis and FY03 funding for force Illinois to comply. In response to the the voter registration project was cut to the consolidated suits both the federal district FY02 level. LWVIL lobbied unsuccessfully court and the Seventh Circuit Court of for restoration of the funds. In October 2002, Appeals ruled that the State must comply. the money ran out and work on the project The State chose to institute a two-tier voter stopped. registration system in which persons registering under NVRA provisions were 2002: The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) eligible to vote in federal elections only. passed by Congress in October, included Those wishing to vote in local and state funds to assist states in establishing their elections had to register a second time. The voter registration databases. Illinois received League and its coalition partners continued to some “early money” under this proviso that 23

work for passage of legislation to implement arose. Monitoring NVRA implementation NVRA and to end the two-tier voter remains a League priority. registration system. A bill to make the two- tier voter registration system a part of the 2015-17 In November 2015 LWVIL joined Illinois Election Code was defeated in the the Just Democracy coalition, which worked 1995 veto session. toward passage of automatic voter registration (AVR) in Illinois. 1995: LWVIL filed a second lawsuit in November challenging the constitutionality of Although the bill passed in the Illinois the two-tier voter registration system. The General Assembly with bipartisan support in League’s position prevailed in both the circuit 2016, Governor Rauner’s veto was successful court and the Illinois Appellate Court. In in defeating AVR. October 1996, the State dropped its legal challenge. NVRA continues to be In 2017, a revised AVR bill was introduced implemented under rules and regulations (SB1933) by Illinois Senator Andy Manar. It created by the State Board of Elections. passed unanimously with bipartisan support in both the Illinois House (115-0) and Illinois Many of the federal Help America Vote Act Senate (55-0) and was signed into law by (HAVA) provisions also amended NVRA, Governor Rauner in August 2017. LWVIL thus, when the state amended the state code to diligently worked toward passage through the incorporate all HAVA, NVRA matters were Just Democracy coalition with a number of included. The League remains committed to TFAs, contacts with legislators and the having all NVRA requirements incorporated governor’s office plus a number of meetings. into the Illinois Election Code. At the November 20, 2017 Illinois State As Illinois attempted to meet the federal Board of Elections(ISBE) hearing, LWVIL requirements of NVRA, a number of submitted written testimony both problems arose. In response to problems in electronically and verbally in person on the the drivers’ license facilities, the Secretary of implementation of AVR in Illinois. State convened an advisory committee in Specifically, LWVIL voiced strong support 1999. The committee was asked to evaluate for timely implementation beginning in 2018. the existing implementation of the federal Motor Voter Law (NVRA) in Illinois and to At that hearing, the ISBE chair noted the recommend administrative improvements. unanimous bipartisan passage of SB1933 in both the Illinois House and Illinois Senate. The LWVIL Election Laws Specialist served on the advisory committee that issued its Straight Ticket Voting and the Legislative report in November 2000. Several of the Process Three Readings Rule committee’s recommendations were 1998: LWVIL joined, as an amicus, in a case implemented in 2001. The Secretary of before the Illinois Court of Appeals State’s staff continued to make changes in its supporting the plaintiffs-appellants' administrative procedures based on the contention that the passage of PA 89-700 committee’s recommendations and reports violated the three-readings rule (prior to that all have been implemented. Additional passage legislation must be "read” - presented procedural changes have been initiated by the and/or debated by each chamber of the SOS’s office in response to problems as they legislature - three separate times). The

legislation banned straight-ticket voting in presented in-person testimony in November 2017 Illinois. The League's brief addressed only before the Illinois State Board of Elections and in May 2018 before the Chicago Board of the legislative process, not the merits of the Elections. As of August 2019, the timetable for legislation. The Appeals Court accepted the full AVR implementation is January 2020. brief; the Illinois Supreme Court denied it. Both courts upheld the lower court ruling. LWVIL continues to work with Just Democracy Thus, Illinois no longer has straight-ticket coalition on additional voting rights legislative voting. initiatives.

Contested Elections State Board of Elections 1993: LWVIL Convention delegates 1971, revised 1999 approved the creation of a statewide committee to research the issue of contested LWVIL Position: elections and to work towards reform The League of Women Voters supports a legislation regarding automatic recounts of state board of elections. Such agency should election results. The committee made a ensure that election laws are applied progress report at 1994 Interim Council; uniformly and properly throughout the state. however, the resignation of the committee The state board of elections should supervise and coordinate: voter registration; candidate chair immediately after Council suspended filing, reporting, and certification; and the work on this issue. No replacement nomination and election processes. chairperson was found and the item was not readopted at the 1995 LWVIL Convention. Organization Members of the state board of elections Voting Rights should be appointed to staggered terms by 2014 the governor with the advice and consent of In 2014 voters approved an amendment to the Senate. No political party should the Illinois constitution that added a new constitute a majority of the board and the Section 8 to Article III, Suffrage and board's size should ensure that all parts of Elections, Titled Voter Discrimination: “No the state are represented. A means for persons shall be denied the right to register to resolving tie votes should be utilized. The vote or to cast a ballot in an election based on League is not opposed to compensation beyond expenses, reflecting the scope of the race, color, ethnicity, status as a member of a job. language minority, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or income”. The League Responsibilities supported its passage. The state board of elections should interpret and compel compliance with the election The League and other voting rights groups laws and should have the power to receive supported Illinois Senate Bill 172. It was complaints, conduct investigations, issue passed in the closing days of the Fall session subpoenas, hold hearings, impose penalties and signed by the governor in January 2015. and pursue appropriate enforcement action This major election reform bill when fully through the courts. The board should implemented is expected to modernize appoint an administrative director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency and Illinois’ voter registration system. may delegate authority below the state level, as appropriate. To ensure understanding 2017-2019: Working with Just Democracy and compliance with election laws and coalition, LWVIL has been monitoring implementation of AVR. Toward this end, LWVIL procedures, the board should 1) provide training for registration and election officials 25

and 2) prepare and disseminate information by instituting procedures that promote to educate citizens and candidates. discussion of issues and discourage mudslinging and dirty tricks. The board should work for codification of • Encourage high voter turnout, recognizing election laws and should continually study that while administrative matters, such as and recommend improvements in election barriers to registration, can affect turnout, laws and procedures. It should make annual the election system itself can also affect it. reports to the General Assembly, the governor and the public. Background: Election laws and their reform have been a Election Systems Criteria primary concern of the League of Women Voters since its founding at the time women 2002 achieved the vote. Action in this area has LWVIL Position: resulted in: The League believes that a good election • Permanent registration system must meet the following two criteria: • A shorter ballot • An election system should provide stability • Reduced residency requirements and continuity of governance by assuring • Creation of the appointed State Board of smooth transitions following elections and Elections (SBE), should produce a legislature that addresses • Consolidation of elections, the problems of society effectively and in a • Extension of voting hours to 7 p.m., timely manner. • Liberalization of the deputy registrar law, • An election system should also be resistant to both outright fraud and forms of political • Legislation permitting detainees awaiting manipulation, such as those involving trial to vote absentee, nominating processes and procedures, • Amending the election code to permit poll gerrymandering, or financing of campaigns. watching by certain civic groups and, • National lowering of the voting age. The League believes these additional criteria • Compliance with the National Voter should also be considered when judging an Registration Act (NVRA) in Illinois elections system. A system should: through legislative and legal action • Encourage close links between legislators • Implementation of the Help America Vote and their constituents so as to promote Act (HAVA) citizen participation in government and help • Creation of computerized voter registration to assure accountability. lists. • Be easy to use and to administer. Citizens should be able to cast their votes with ease and to understand the election results While barriers to voting such as voter ID laws without difficulty. Complicated voting have been enacted in other states, the LWVIL procedures that discourage voter closely monitors such proposals for Illinois participation and create confusion over and is prepared to take swift action if any voting results should be avoided. such measures gain traction here. Consideration should be given to the administrative costs of conducting Note: Laws governing campaign finance are elections. found in the Illinois Election Code. • Produce a legislature that fairly and accurately reflects the views found among LWVIL Action: the public, enabling voters to be confident that their voices will be heard. 1976-77: A study of primary elections did not • Encourage high-quality political campaigns result in any consensus regarding an open or a 26

closed primary system, the League has appropriate foundation source. The Joyce opposed legislation that makes participation Foundation provided a grant in the summer of in the primary election more restrictive, 2000 and the League’s state committee began particularly the persistent efforts to require its study of Election Systems in the fall. pre-primary party registration. Due to the grant’s requirements, the study was expanded to include an examination of 1983: LWVIL worked with a coalition for other methods for electing representatives legislation to enable school officials, besides cumulative voting. librarians, local union officials, and officers of bona fide statewide civic organizations to In a caucus meeting at the 2001 LWVIL designate deputy registrars. Since then, the Convention, members of the state committee League has worked to strengthen the deputy presented information and a progress report to registrar program. convention delegates. The study was readopted by the convention. As a means for The League has supported legislation to make reaching member agreement, League absentee and in-person voting more members used a mail-in form to identify and accessible to disabled citizens and to broaden rank criteria important for a good election in-person absentee voting opportunities for all system. Responses were received from citizens. The League’s study of election members in 42 local Leagues and two consolidation found that League members members at-large. In January 2002, the State were concerned about having a long time Board reported the results and issued a period between the primary and the general position statement. The position is written in election and preferred holding elections broad terms that will allow the League annually in the spring and November. flexibility in evaluating any proposed League efforts to have a later primary have electoral system. There is no reference to not been successful. The League continues to cumulative voting in the position because the work for the expansion of voter registration response to the Election Systems opportunities and election laws codification. questionnaire indicated that League members did not support a return to Election Systems cumulative voting. The 1997 LWVIL delegates adopted a Will of the Convention to review State Election Laws Although local Leagues were actively and positions, including consideration of repeatedly offered a prepared discussion proportional representation. The review model and pass-through grants to conduct committee concluded that proportional public educational forums on the issue, representation was too much to study given only one public forum was held and the the burden of the overall position review, and League was unable to meet the grant’s recommended a task force be appointed to requirement to engage the public in a consider it. However, there were insufficient discussion of election systems. The single volunteers for the task force. Delegates at the forum drew a very limited audience but 1999 LWVIL Convention adopted the revised received good press coverage. state election laws position. Election Administration Reform 1999: State Convention delegates adopted a 2001 - 2007: At the LWVIL Annual study of cumulative voting for the Illinois Legislative Briefing in February, League House contingent upon funding from an members were given an overview of Illinois’

decentralized election administration. During The League’s revised election laws positions discussion, members agreed that the League completed and adopted in 1999 enabled the should undertake a deeper examination of EAR committee to take action when needed. Illinois’ election administration. Following In 2007, the EAR committee was dissolved the Convention that year, LWVIL created the and its findings were incorporated into the Election Administration Reform (EAR) election laws position. Committee in response to the perceived problems relating to the November 2000 Adoption of the Help America Vote Act election. The EAR Committee, working under (HAVA) and Election Conduct the League’s Making Democracy Work 2002: HAVA adoption provided federal Action Focus, was directed to examine the funds to help states implement changes they administration of elections in Illinois. For six were forced to adopt. Illinois moved quickly years (2001-07) the committee undertook a by creating a state planning committee to number of activities, including meeting with develop a HAVA state plan. LWVIL’s representatives of the secretary of state, the president served on the planning committee. state board of elections, and the disabled Early in the process steps were taken to community. The committee surveyed local replace the punch card voting equipment and election officials and conducted three poll to make administrative changes not requiring watching projects. In an effort to understand election code amendments. Amendments to the decision-making processes affecting the Illinois Election Code were achieved with election administration the committee had the adoption of Omnibus Elections bills in ongoing contacts with several local election 2005 and 2006. Summary reports of these authorities. The committee reported its two bills were prepared and made available to findings to League members through articles local Leagues. Additional amendments were in the Illinois Voter, in memos, and in included in the 2007 Omnibus Elections bill. presentations at state meetings. The 2006 primary election was the first test of Among the issues that the committee looked many of the new procedures and of new at were: the use of students as election judges, voting equipment. Many problems were polling place accessibility, testing and identified and election officials worked to certification of voting equipment, limitations correct them before the November 2006 on the issuance of poll watching credentials, general election; however, that election recruitment and training of election judges, revealed many technical problems in several voting rights for detainees, development of election jurisdictions. They were being the statewide voter registration database, addressed through the combined efforts of the implementation of the federal Help America State Board of Elections, the affected local Vote Act (HAVA), and the effects of new election authorities, and the voting equipment voting equipment on the electoral process. vendors. Reports from the April 2007 election showed fewer problems but turnout The EAR Committee’s work led to passage of is typically low for odd-year spring elections. two League-initiated bills 1) Allowing detainees awaiting trial to vote 2009-2011: LWVIL monitored press reports absentee (2005) and about voting problems, informed League 2) Permitting civic organizations to poll members about legislative changes relating to watch (2007). voter registration, residency requirements, absentee ballot applications, Early Voting

regulations and new rules governing voting A number of bills were introduced that would by military personnel and their families. require voters to present a government-issued photo ID in the polling place. The League Two new provisions that became effective in was prepared to oppose them. They never got January 2011 should make voting a bit easier out of committee. The League will continue -- the Primary date was moved back to March to follow election laws activities supporting and candidates for governor and lieutenant efforts that ease citizens’ access to the governor must now run as a team in the election process and oppose any actions that primary. LWVIL did not act on either of erect barriers to voter registration and the these bills; our position favors a later primary voting process. date and we do not have a position on candidates running as a team. 2013-2015 LWVIL activity in Election Laws was centered primarily in the General 2011-2013: LWVIL continued to watch Assembly during this Biennium. Some of the legislative activity in the Illinois General highlights were legislation that permits 17- Assembly and took action when its positions year-olds to vote in the primary in even- applied. Much of the legislation pertaining to numbered years, another relating to electoral the Election Code was handled in omnibus boards and a third providing for the Election bills created by the legislators during dissolution of a township by referendum. the session. Often these bills included Other laws enacted included: one encouraging amendments requested by the State Board of school districts to close school or hold an Elections that clarify and/or correct Institute Day when a school building is being legislation adopted previously. Among the used as a polling place; and another directed topics that have been addressed recently are the State Board of Elections to place a changes in the rules for deputy registrars, statewide advisory question relating to a tax alterations in the signature requirements on on income greater $1,000,000 on the petitions for state senators and November, 2014 ballot. Voters approved this representatives, and, extending grace periods proposal, but no action was taken in response for voter registration. to this vote. The legislature also authorized the creation of an on-line voter registration system, clarified The 2014 session’s 194-page Omnibus the rules for processing provisional ballots Elections bill made many temporary changes and passed legislation providing that persons in the election code. These were tested in the who are 17 years old on the date of the November election. The General Assembly primary election may vote at the primary if returned to work and passed SB172 which they are otherwise qualified and will be 18 made the temporary changes permanent. years old on the date of the General Election. Among them were including provisions for The State Board of Elections began extending early voting and changing the developing the on-line voter registration postmark deadline for email ballots to system and preparing the local election Election Day. The governor signed the bill in authorities for its implementation. It is January 2015. The League supported this expected that the system will be up and legislation. The State Board of Elections and running by July 1, 2014, as required by the the various local election authorities are statute. The system was ready in June 2014. mandated to implement this legislation, although the current budget impasse is delaying the process.

position to support term limits cannot be Term Limits based on issues of representativeness, 1992, 1999 accountability or effective performance, or on a dynamic balance of power between the LWVIL Position: executive and legislative branches because The League opposes constitutional or these criteria are the basis for the national and statutory term limitations for members of the state positions opposing term limits. General Assembly based on the League's support for accountability, The 2009 Convention delegates representativeness, and effective recommended an update to the Recall and performance and for a dynamic balance of Term Limits position but the position was not power between the legislative and the reviewed due to a lack of volunteers. executive branches. The General Assembly then placed an (See LWVUS position Congress and The amendment to the Illinois Constitution to Presidency) provide for a special election to recall a Governor on the November 2010 election Background and LWVIL Action: ballot. A LWVIL committee developed a The LWVUS Board announced in 1991 that brochure informing citizens about the the League opposes term limits for members provisions and the pros and cons of the of the U.S. Congress. Delegates to the amendment to supplement the official LWVUS 1992 Convention approved a motion material provided by the state. 65% of voters allowing state and local Leagues to take were in favor and it was adopted. action against term limits for state and local legislative offices based on the national position. State Redistricting 1993 The LWVIL Board approved extending the LWVIL Position: position to the Illinois General Assembly and The League supports a redistricting process 1993 LWVIL Convention delegates which is: concurred. • timely and orderly and which includes a formal announced timetable, In the fall of 1994, the League was prepared • makes information and related data to oppose a proposed constitutional available to all who wish to participate in amendment to limit the terms of state the process, legislators to eight years. The question was • offers ample opportunities for expert testimony and public reaction to the not placed on the ballot because the Illinois proposed maps, Supreme Court ruled that the petition calling • encourages compromise among partisan for the referendum was unconstitutional. representatives, • avoids a partisan stalemate, and Based on the national position, local • results in maps which offer the voters a Leagues may oppose term limits for their choice of candidates for election. county/village board or city council without a local study. However, if a The League supports the following criteria for League wants to support term limits for drawing state legislative districts: these local officials, a local study and consensus must be conducted. A local 30

1. Population equity: The average deviation (Also see LWVUS Apportionment and among all districts in each house shall not Redistricting Positions. LWVUS adopted a exceed a range of 1 percent, with no new Redistricting Position in 2016 which more than a 5 percent variance between includes additional guidelines for the the most populated and the least populated districts. Districts shall be redistricting process and updated standards based on current census statistics. for drawing districts. This position should be used along with the LWVIL position in 2. All districts shall be drawn in compliance evaluating redistricting proposals.) with the United States Voting Rights Act of 1965 and subsequent amendments. Background: Prior to the adoption of the 1970 Illinois 3. Compact and contiguous: All districts Constitution, LWVIL developed a position shall be compact, with the smallest perimeter possible, and contiguous, relating to apportionment that included a adjacent to one another with more than a preferred method for redistricting legislative single point of contiguity. Areas districts after each decennial census. Article connected only at points of adjoining IV, Section 3 of the 1970 Constitution details corners are not contiguous. procedures to be followed in legislative 4. Boundaries: redistricting. Five redistrictings have taken a. The number of counties, towns and place using these rules. In 1981, 1991, and cities divided among more than one 2001, because there was no agreement on the district shall be as small as possible. proposed maps in either the legislature or the b. Districts shall follow existing political Legislative Redistricting Commission, it was boundaries (i.e., county, municipal, necessary to select a tiebreaker member for ward lines), as far as possible. c. No city block shall be subdivided, the Legislative Redistricting Commission. since a city block is the smallest The selected maps reflected the partisanship parcel for which census data are of the tiebreaker member's vote. Suits were available. filed each time and the new legislative d. Where possible, district lines shall districts were determined based on court follow permanent and easily rulings. In 2011 the governor and both recognized features, such as toll chambers of the General Assembly were ways, expressways, highways, controlled by the same party and the maps streets, rivers, and clear geographical were drawn with little input from the public. features, and when practical, shall coincide with census tract boundaries. LWVIL Action:

5. No district shall be drawn with the intent to favor a political party or incumbent In 1992, LWVIL created a Redistricting Task legislator or congressman. Force to develop a position for local Leagues' concurrence. Delegates to the 1993 LWVIL 6. Each state senatorial district shall consist Convention adopted the position on State of two entire house districts as currently Redistricting. Also in 1992, Illinois' Secretary stipulated in the state constitution. Ideally of State created a Bipartisan Review each state senatorial district shall be Commission to consider reforms in Illinois' entirely within a single U.S. Procedures for Re-mapping Legislative Congressional district. Districts. With the adoption of its State Redistricting position, the League was These criteria may be applied to any redistricting process. 31

prepared to comment on this commission's Congressional seat. Illinois had 25 districts in recommendations. 1960; after the 2012 elections, Illinois sent The Review Commission was reconvened in 18 members to Congress. 1998 and submitted its report to the governor • Redistricting Activities early in 1999. The commission recommended Citizens’ Initiative-- In 2009 in anticipation changes that required a constitutional of the redistricting of Illinois General amendment. Assembly districts, LWVIL and other A Senate Joint Resolution, calling for organizations formed the Illinois Fair Map submitting a proposed constitutional Amendment initiative, the goal of which was amendment to the voters, was introduced in to amend the Illinois Constitution by May 1999. The amendment to Articles IV and collecting enough signatures on petitions to XIV would have changed the way in which the get the initiative placed on the November State redistricts the Illinois House and Senate. 2010 election ballot. From January through If passed by both houses, the proposition would April 2010, local Leagues held informational have been voted on in November 2000. If meetings about the amendment and circulated approved by the voters, it would have taken petitions. LWVIL led the coalition, met with effect beginning with redistricting in 2001. editorial boards and collected the completed The League was represented on the petitions. LWVIL was invited to testify commission. Since the General Assembly before the Senate Redistricting Committee as never adopted the resolution, there was no well as the House Judiciary about the goals of opportunity to vote on the new redistricting the amendment. Despite these efforts, the process. In response to requests from number of signatures was insufficient to get legislative staff, the League submitted a copy the initiative placed on the ballot; time and of League’s redistricting position to both the money (not enough of each) worked to the House and Senate Redistricting Committees. petition effort’s disadvantage. However, the Redistricting statements were made to work LWVIL did during this period legislative committees, which held hearings galvanized awareness of the need for around the state. redistricting reform. 2009: At the 2009 LWVIL Convention, Redistricting-- LWVIL launched its census delegates voted to make an accurate census and redistricting project in February 2009 and count and redistricting action focus issues for worked with local Leagues throughout the the 2009 – 2011 biennium. True Census state organizing presentations and forums to Count 2010 and Redistricting Reform actions educate League members and communities included: about the redistricting process in Illinois and • 2010 Census Activities the need for change. Other activities included LWVIL undertook a major role striving to inviting Justin Levitt from the Brennan ensure a complete and accurate count of all Center to speak at the February 2010 Issues residents in Illinois during Census 2010. Briefing; preparing materials and convening a Governor Quinn named LWVIL the chair of training session held in September to prepare the Illinois Complete Count Committee. League members to speak on redistricting Several local leagues took an active interest issues; and offering a workshop on the topic and participated in census activities of their at the 2011 Issues Briefing. Local Leagues own, including creating local complete count also wrote letters to the editor about committees. Census 2010 counted redistricting, met with their local legislators 12,830,632 Illinois residents and while on the topic and asked questions at Illinois gained in population, it lost a candidates’ forums and as part of Vote 411.

2010: A group of reform and civil rights drawn after the US Census by providing for organizations came together under a coalition an independent commission to the draw maps. umbrella -- the Illinois Campaign for Accountable Redistricting (ICAR) to show LWVIL Redistricting Campaign Efforts that Illinois could change the way it redistricts included: itself using principles developed during the • Approval by the LWVIL Board on Fair Map initiative. The coalition obtained September 7, 2013 to support the Yes for grants to purchase software to draw maps, Independent Maps initiative. employ staff, promote the process and engage • Updates in the LWVIL E-News between input from the public. LWVIL worked in September 2013 and July 2014 including: coalition with other organizations to change o An explanation of LWVIL support of the redistricting process using these the amendment principles. o Information on obtaining, circulating 2011: As part of their promise to introduce and returning petitions transparency to the redistricting process, the o An explanation of why the Illinois House and Senate Redistricting amendment did not include a way to Committees held hearings from March to redraw Congressional Districts May to receive public comment on the o Ideas on locations to pass petitions redistricting process and eventually comment o Progress of the ballot initiative on the initial legislative map. LWVIL was • Presenting a plenary session at the Annual invited to testify and members from eight Issues Briefing in February 2014, titled Leagues presented LWVIL testimony. Redistricting: What’s Been Happening Since 2011? Speakers included Ryan In 2011 Democrats controlled both chambers Blitstein, CHANGE IL Senior Advisor, in the General Assembly as well as the Yes for Independent Maps, Ruth governor’s office, and they used their power Greenwood, Fellow, Chicago Committee to draw maps which would allow their party for Civil Rights Under the Law and Mary to maintain control of the General Assembly Schaafsma, ED LWVIL. and win more seats for Democrats in the U. S. • Making a statement at a press event on House of Representatives. The League May 1, 2014 when the petitions were criticized the maps. The League also filed a delivered to the State Board of Elections lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Office in Springfield. the maps for the U. S. House and the Illinois • Sending a TFA asking for volunteers to General Assembly. The lawsuit was help validate signatures on the petitions at dismissed. the Yes for Independent Maps campaign office. 2013-2014: Yes for Independent Maps – Ballot Initiative for 2014 In July 2014, the Yes for Independent Maps The LWVIL supported the efforts of the Yes campaign decided not to further pursue its for Independent Maps initiative to place the efforts to get the amendment on the Illinois Independent Redistricting November ballot. The Yes initiative failed Amendment on the November 2014 ballot. because of a lack of sufficient valid signatures The proposed amendment to Article IV, and a ruling in the Circuit court of Cook Section 3 of the Illinois Constitution would County that while Legislative Redistricting have changed the way the Illinois General appears to be a valid subject for a citizen Assembly House and Senate districts are initiative, the proposed amendment was not

limited to structural and procedural subjects LWVIL Redistricting Campaign Efforts as required by the Illinois Constitution. included: • Having the LWVIL President serve as a LWVIL participated in a debriefing of the Yes member of the Board for this ballot for Independent Maps Campaign in initiative. September 2014 and contributed to the • Kicking off the ballot initiative campaign discussion about positive aspects and lessons for LWVIL at the June 2015 convention learned from the campaign. by • Providing a campaign tool kit LWV Chicago • Presenting strategy for local League In 2014, the LWV of Chicago filed a lawsuit, campaign participation which challenged the City of Chicago ward • Participation by local Leagues in maps. Chicago drew maps which protected • Collecting petition signatures 41 incumbents and thus avoided a referendum • Holding public meetings on the on the maps. Chicago also began to use the new maps, prior to aldermen being elected for redistricting process and the proposed the new wards in 2015. The lawsuit, claiming amendment that the city’s ward re-map violated the “one • Presenting programs to students in person, one Vote” principle and therefore high school civics classes denied Chicago residents equal representation • Conducting a workshop, Persuading the in City council, was dismissed by the court. Public that the Amendment Will Make a Difference, at the February 2016 Issues LWVUS Briefing Delegates to the 2014 LWVUS Convention • Joining in the filing of an amicus on July recognized the importance of national 28, 2016 to the Illinois Supreme Court redistricting reform by adopting a • Participating in press conferences comprehensive three-part program combining study and review of key specific structures of The Independent Maps campaign was the American democracy, with one of the three most recent attempt to get a redistricting parts being , “A review of the redistricting amendment on the ballot by citizen initiative. process for the U.S. Congress … for the The Independent Maps Board was bipartisan purpose of developing action steps”. and had a broad range of representation from non-profits and the business community. 2015-2016: Independent Map Amendment – Ballot Initiative for 2016 On May 6, 2016 the bipartisan Independent The LWVIL supported efforts to place the Maps coalition submitted over 570,000 Independent Redistricting Amendment petition signatures to the Illinois State Board initiated in April 2015 on the November 2016 of Elections. The ISBE sampling of General Election Ballot. The proposed signatures, found a 73% validity rate – well in amendment to Article IV, Section 3 of the excess of the 290,199 signatures required to Illinois Constitution would have changed the place the amendment on the November 8th way the Illinois General Assembly (ILGA) ballot. House and Senate districts are drawn after the US Census by providing for an independent A lawsuit the People’s Map V. The Illinois commission to the draw maps. State Board of Elections was filled and heard by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diane 34

Larsen. On July 18, 2016 Judge Larsen the IL General Assembly. handed down a ruling that the Independent Map Amendment was unconstitutional. 2018-2019: Focus on Constitutional Amendment through Legislative Action Independent Maps filed an appeal directly to LWVIL as a member of the IL Redistricting the Illinois Supreme Court. On July 28th Collaborative worked in the 2018 and 2019 LWVIL as part of a coalition filed an amicus spring legislative sessions to have the Illinois with the Illinois Supreme Court urging it “to General Assembly pass a Constitutional allow democracy to prevail and to let the Amendment pertaining to Redistricting to be people have their vote” on the placed on a General Election Ballot. The amendment. Independent Maps final brief to Amendment would provide for drawing of the Court on August 9th argued the lower court state legislative and congressional districts by ruling if not reversed “would eviscerate the an Independent Commission. constitutional right conferred on the people of Illinois by the 1970 constitution to bypass LWVIL action: self-interested legislators and directly propose • Signed onto surveys sent to gubernatorial needed reforms.” and state legislative candidates concerning their support of changes to the The Independent Map Amendment did not redistricting process. appear on the November 8, 2016 Election • A March 2018 Leaders Update requested Ballot. On Thursday, August 25th the Illinois Local Leagues to ask their state senators Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3, along party lines, and state representatives to sign on as cosponsors to HJRCA43 and also included a affirming the Cook County Circuit Court packet of information on the proposed decision that the proposed amendment failed amendment and talking points. to meet constitutional requirements. • At Lobby Day in Springfield, April 28,

2018, LWVIL President, Bonnie Cox, The Court decision rested on the fact that the spoke in support of the Fair Maps job duties of the Auditor General are not Amendment at a Press Conference and at stated in Article IV Section 3, the Legislative a Subject Matter Hearing before the Article, of the Illinois Constitution. Therefor Senate Executive’s subcommittee on the proposal was a violation of provision for Special Issues. Constitutional Initiative that limits • A TFA on April 17th asked League amendments to structural and procedural members to call their State Senators to subjects contained in Article IV. The Court support and cosponsor SJRCA26, and only ruled on one of the seven counts State Representatives to support and objecting to the proposed amendment. cosponsor HJRCA4. Members were also asked to file Witness Slips as a Proponent The Independent Maps Board decided not to of SJRCA26 before the Subcommittee on pursue another citizen initiative. The limited Special Issues Hearing. court ruling made it difficult to pursue • A second TFA on April 20th asked another attempt. League members to call Senate President 2017: As a member of the IL Redistricting Cullerton for a full vote in the Senate on Collaborative LWVIL worked to develop SJRCA26 and to call State Senators Redistricting Principles and Strategies to uncommitted on the Redistricting effect change to the redistricting process for Amendment. 35

• A TFA on February 2, 2019 asked amendment needs in order for it to pass. The members to contact their State Legislators bills were not called for a vote in either 2018 to co-sponsor the Fair Maps Amendment or 2019. originating in their chambers. SJRCA4 in the Senate and HJRCA15 in the House. LWVIL will continue to work to get the Illinois Legislature to approve a Legislative efforts in the Illinois Senate saw Constitutional Amendment to be placed on a 28 of 118 members in 2018 and 25 members General Election Ballot to provide for an in 2019 sign on as cosponsors of the Fair Independent Redistricting Commission to Maps Amendment. In both 2018 and 2019 the draw legislative and congressional Amendment in the Senate had at least 36 of maps. LWVIL will also work for legislation 59 members as cosponsors meeting the that will provide for citizen input and make required three-fifths of the chamber that an the 2021 redistricting process more transparent. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS POSITIONS Summary of League of Women Voters of the United States Positions and Major Action by the Illinois League Complete LWVUS Positions in Impact on Issues.

For the complete text of each position, see LWVUS Impact on Issues.

LWVUS International Relations Position: Promote peace in an interdependent world by Arms Control working cooperatively with other nations and 1983, Updated 2010 strengthening international organizations. LWVUS Position: Arms control measures are essential to reduce the risk of war and increase global United Nations stability. 1977, Revised 2002 LWVUS Position: Military Policy & Defense Support a strong, effective U.N. and endorse the full and active participation of the United Spending States in the U.N. System. 1984, Revised 1986 LWVUS Position: Trade The U.S. government should seek to protect LWVUS Position: its interests at home and abroad through the use of nonmilitary measures, including Support a liberal U.S. trade policy aimed at diplomacy, mediation and multilateral reducing trade barriers and expanding cooperation. This position also addresses international trade. Nuclear Deterrence, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Other Commitments Relations With Developing LWVIL action Countries 2000 - 2002: Illinois local Leagues LWVUS Position: participated in both the Trade and U.N. U.S. interests in developing countries should position updates. Local Leagues educated reflect the reality of global interdependence. their members and the public on international

relations issues with seminars and lectures and through Great Decisions discussions. 2004: LWVIL supported the Illinois General 2003: State and local Leagues urged the U.S. Assembly and the Cook County Board of President to work with the United Nations to Commissioners who passed ratification resolve the situation with Iraq. resolutions.

UN Convention to Eliminate All Forms of 2010: IL Sen. Richard Durbin, chairman of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human LWVIL has consistently urged our Senators Rights and the Law, held the first CEDAW to ratify CEDAW. Although the U.S signed hearing and pledged to work for ratification. the pact in 1980, it remains the only country to have signed but not ratified it. The 186 ratifying countries include all America's major allies, while the seven remaining non- ratifying states include Iran, Sudan, Somalia and three small Pacific Island nations. LWVUS NATURAL RESOURCES POSITIONS Summary of League of Women Voters of the United States Positions and Major Action by the Illinois League Complete LWVUS Positions in Impact on Issues.

LWVUS Position: Fracking The LWWUS believes that: LWVIL Action: Natural resources should be managed as The 2013 LWVIL Convention took place as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems. two separate bills related to hydraulic Resources should be controlled in order to fracturing were pending in the state preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public legislature. Hydraulic fracturing, commonly health. referred to as “fracking” is a process by which high pressure water, sand and unidentified chemicals are pumped Resource Management underground to fracture geologic formations 1958-1986 in order to release fossil fuels. The process LWVUS Position: poses a threat to water and other natural Promote resource conservation, stewardship resources and increases the incidence of and long- range planning, with the earthquakes. responsibility for managing natural resources shared by all levels of government. Convention delegates voted to continue Background: work for a moratorium and, if the bill LWVUS Convention 2010 agreed that regulating the process becomes law, delegates “fracking ” (pumping high pressure water or agreed that LWVIL work for the most chemicals underground to fracture geologic effective rules to protect Illinois residents, formations and release natural gas) poses a environment, tourism, sufficient funding and threat to drinking water and other water staffing to enforce those rules, and provisions resources. State Leagues took the lead in for public input and local control by those working to block these mining processes that most affected by the introduction of hydraulic release contaminated and polluted waters. fracturing in Illinois. 37

Child Safe Chemicals Additional criteria adopted by delegates to the LWVIL Action: 2018 LWVUS Convention: In 2005, LWVIL welcomed the creation of a new House Committee – the Environmental Climate Test Health Committee – during the legislative The League of Women Voters supports a set session. The League worked successfully of climate assessment criteria that ensures with other groups to pass legislation that energy policies align with current considered by this committee that would ban climate science. These criteria require that a class of toxic chemicals commonly used as the latest climate science be used to evaluate flame retardants in consumer products in proposed energy policies and major projects favor of safer alternatives. These chemicals, in light of the globally-agreed-upon goal of commonly known as PBDEs (polybrominated limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C, diphenyl ethers), are rapidly accumulating in informed by the successful spirit of global our bodies, homes, and in the fish and cooperation as affirmed in the UN COP 21 sediment of Lake Michigan. Paris agreement. • With increasing evidence of the health effects resulting from the exposure to toxic Climate Change: Air Quality chemicals in our environment and consumer LWVUS Position: products, LWVIL monitored legislation Promote measures to reduce pollution eliminating some of the most dangerous from mobile and stationary sources. chemicals found in certain consumer

products. LWVIL Action: • Since children are the most vulnerable to 1990s: Monitored state implementation of the these chemicals, Child-Safe Chemical 1990 Clean Air Act and supported efforts to Acts were introduced during the 2008 and control acid rain damage in a manner that 2009 legislation sessions. Although this preserved environmentally sound use of legislation failed to receive support, the Illinois coal. Chicago City Council voted to ban the use 2000: Began monitoring state clean air of one of these toxic chemicals, bisphenol A legislation as the seriousness of global (BPA), in baby bottles and sippy cups, warming became more evident. effective January 31, 2010. 2001: Lobbied for legislation to strengthen • A TFA was issued supporting the phasing Illinois’ resolve to curb fossil fuel emissions out of the toxic flame retardant from electric generating plants, the single decaBDE. Legislation phasing out the use largest industrial air pollution source in the of this toxic chemical commonly found in Midwest. TV's, mattresses, and other consumer 2002: Resisted efforts to weaken or delay products also failed to receive support. implementation of the Clean Air Act New Source Review Program that protects Environmental Protection Americans by requiring pollution reductions for aging coal-burning power plants and other and Pollution Control sources. LWVUS Position: 2003: Supported state legislation to establish Preserve the physical, chemical and state clean air rules to replace the federal biological integrity of the ecosystem, with rollbacks on the New Source Review maximum protection of public health and provisions of the Clean Air Act. the environment. 2005: Expressed appreciation to Sen. Obama 38

for opposing the Administration’s “Clear Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Skies” legislative initiative, to weaken or Agreement. delay Clean Air Act implementation. 2006: Local Leagues conducted forums and 2009-2015 League members contacted legislators • LWVIL actively supported (with LWVUS supporting the successful passage of the permission) the Waxman-Markey cap and Mercury Rule that sets strict mercury trade system to reduce industrial pollution emission limits for coal-fired power plants. emissions The Illinois EPA drafted a rule requiring • Supported a strong Clean Air Act and the nearly every coal-fired power plant in Illinois EPA’s authority to enforce it, including to install and operate available emissions meetings with staff of Senators Durbin and cleaning technologies by 2009 and to capture Kirk no less than 90 percent of mercury pollution • Clean Car Act: LWVIL, as part of the by 2015. This rule was adopted by the Illinois Illinois Climate Action Network, lobbied Pollution Control Board (IPCB) and approved for state legislation requiring automakers to by the Joint Committee on Administrative meet the same high emissions standards for Rules of the Illinois General Assembly. new cars and light trucks already set in 14 2007: League members lobbied in support of other states. The legislation failed to pass the Smoke Free Illinois Act, signed into law, in Illinois but the California standards were prohibiting smoking in public places and mandated at the federal level beginning places of employment. with the 2012 model year. • League testified (with LWVUS Climate Change Background: permission) at US EPA hearings in 2006: Recognizing the need to address Chicago, in support for new federal EPA climate change, Gov. Blagojevich issued an regulations to limit mercury and other air Executive Order on Climate Change and toxics emissions from coal-fired and oil- Greenhouse Gas Reduction and created the fired power plants and encouraged Illinois Climate Change Advisory Group to immediate implementation of the new consider the various policies and strategies to standards. reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions in • In accordance with the LWVUS position, Illinois. Climate Change was adopted as an action 2007 focus for the 2011-2013 and 2013- 2015 • LWVIL participated in the Climate Change biennia by LWVIL Convention delegates. Advisory Group in Springfield and • LWVIL signed a coalition letter to Chicago. Senators Durbin and Kirk expressing our • Local Leagues began helping their support of the EPA’s Clean Air Act. communities lessen their impact on global • The LWVIL joined other environmental climate change by joining the Sierra Club's groups in opposing the Tenaska coal-to-gas "Cool Cities" program, whereby local plant in Taylorville, IL; The “clean coal” governments endorsed the U.S. Conference project was scrapped in 2013 although the of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement companies involved are expected to try to and took steps to reduce their carbon renew the effort in the coming years. emissions below 1990 levels. • LWVIL, with LWVUS permission, • LWVIL supported legislation allowing the testified at US EPA hearing in support of Illinois EPA to provide technical assistance Proposed Tier 3 Tailpipe and Evaporative to communities that endorsed the U.S. Emissions and Vehicle Fuel Standards.

• LWVIL presented testimony at an EPA hearing supporting limits on mercury LWVIL Action: emissions from power plants. The Illinois League has • Participated in a utilities reform task force 2015-2017 in preparation for renewal of the State's • Testified before the EPA in support for new Public Utility Act federal regulations limiting mercury and air • Lobbied for energy conservation measures toxics from coal and oil burning power plants • Lobbied for or aid to low-income energy • Opposed the Tenaska coal-to-gas “clean consumers coal” power plant proposal Participated annually in the Illinois Energy • Testified before the EPA in support of Conference. strong tailpipe and Evaporative Emissions and Vehicle Fuel standards 2010 • Testified before the EPA in support of LWVIL participated in the Shriver Institute’s limits on mercury emissions from power symposium on Climate Change and Low plants Income Communities focusing on home retrofitting for energy efficiency, consumer 2017-2019 cost saving, and green business/job One of the first things the new president did opportunities for the area. after taking office in early 2017 was to direct 2009-2011 Illinois Smart Grid all federal agencies to reduce/remove as many The Smart Grid is a complete modernization regulations as possible, claiming they are of the electric system to improve efficiency, “burdensome” to business. Climate change reduce outages, integrate alternative energy deniers and people with strong ties to the supplies such as wind energy, and help fossil fuel industries now head agencies that consumers manage their energy usage and are charged with protecting the health and costs. A key component of the Smart Grid is well-being of the nation as a whole. The EPA the Smart Meter that will allow consumers to and other science agencies have been respond immediately to price fluctuations and specifically targeted with budget cuts, meet the utilities’ emissions reduction goals reductions in staff and limited authorization through energy efficiency. to act while, at the same time, the administration works to ensure that fossil League participated in the ISGI Collaborative fuels remain dominant and the EPA’s for Smart Grid implementation mandated by authority to regulate greenhouse gasses is state legislation and the Illinois Commerce undermined. In response, state and local Commission. The Collaborative considered a Leagues across the country work to ensure the wide range of issues that would shape Smart highest level of environmental protection Grid deployment in Illinois including standards are enacted. consumer and environmental concerns, cost

2011 Energy The League did not support so-called “Smart LWVUS Position: Grid” legislation because it would allow the Support environmentally sound policies major utilities to bypass the IL Commerce that reduce energy growth rates, Commission hearing process for rate emphasize energy conservation and increases, thus placing the burden of Smart encourage the use of renewable Grid costs directly on consumers. Legislation resources. 40

passed in the General Assembly but was then 2018-2019 vetoed by the governor. During the Fall Veto 2018 was a quiet year for Air Quality & Session, the Legislature added a trailer bill Energy legislation in Springfield but things addressing the concerns of citizen, heated up quickly when a new governor with governmental and business groups and a pro-environmental agenda came into office. overrode the veto. The key piece of legislation, the Clean Energy Jobs (CEJA) bill, was developed 2015 Clean Power Plan carefully as the next step in moving Illinois After years of supporting a Renewable toward a clean energy economy. Continuing Portfolio Standards Fix (RPS Fix), in 2015 our participation in the Clean Energy Jobs LWVIL has shifted focus to several sets of Coalition, local Leagues participated in bills introduced in the General Assembly to Listen, Lead, Share sessions to ensure that a satisfy the state’s requirements for the EPA’s wide range of opinions and concerns were Clean Power Plan. The RPS Fix is absorbed addressed in the new legislation. However, by these bills. The House and Senate bills many vital pieces of legislation needed to be supported by most of the state’s passed under the new administration and environmental groups are called the Clean CEJA was placed on hold during the spring Jobs Bill. legislative session. As of this writing, it is expected to be brought up in the fall 2019 2016-17 Illinois Clean Jobs Bill - Future Veto Session or early in the 2020 spring Energy Jobs Bill session. After years of supporting a Renewable Portfolio Standards “Fix” (RPS Fix), LWVIL Two other important bills LWVIL shifted focus in 2015 to several sets of bills, monitored closely during the 2019 regular known collectively as the IL Clean Jobs Bill, session include that would satisfy the state’s requirements for • Kyoto Protocol of 1998 Repeal - passed the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, including an both houses easily and signed by Governor RPS fix. Pritzker on August 15, 2019 - removed 2016: LWVIL joined the Clean Jobs limits on state action to curb greenhouse Coalition to advocate for those measures that gas emissions (necessary for CEJA would support expanded renewable energy in implementation). the state. Amendment to the Criminal Code expanding 2016: Competing legislative proposals - the definition of “critical infrastructure” and supported by the large electric utilities on the severely raising penalties for damaging such one hand and by environmentalists on the properties or “interfering” with them - This other - finally merged into a comprehensive bill was a product of the American Future Energy Jobs Bill. This massive piece Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and of legislation included subsidies to keep targets environmental protesters. It passed in nuclear and coal plants online, but also fixed several states but was tabled in Illinois at the the RPS, introduced a demand charge, and end of May. We expect to see it reintroduced increased energy efficiency investments in the session and will oppose it if it gains traction. state. LWVIL supported specific components but not the entire bill in part because Price on Carbon Resolution amendments were being introduced right up adopted by the delegates to the 2018 LWVUS to the final votes. Convention:

The League of Women Voters stands united successfully waged groundwater protection with, and in support of, efforts to price and water quality campaigns. carbon emissions, whether cap-and-trade, carbon tax/fee, or another viable pricing 1997: LWVIL received the “Making Waves mechanism. The League does not have a Award” recognizing the efforts of local position on how the revenue generated is to Leagues on behalf of the environment, be used. We do not espouse any single method especially in promoting conservation and of pricing carbon over another. We will protection of clean water throughout the state evaluate all proposed methods based on their effectiveness to abate emissions and whether Since 2001, when “isolated wetlands” within the method can be successfully implemented. states lost federal protection, LWVIL has supported legislation protecting Illinois’ 2019: wetlands. Opposition to wetland protection Several local Illinois Leagues, in consultation tends to be strong and based on the argument with LWVIL and the LWVUS Climate that economic development must have Change Task Force, held informational priority over all other issues. Over the past meetings to raise awareness of the potential of decade, LWVIL has participated in the carbon pricing as a factor in reducing CO2 Illinois Wetlands Advisory Committee, the emissions and further efforts along these lines Clean Water Dialogue Group, the Citizens are anticipated in the coming years. Advisory Group on Waukegan Harbor, the Chicago Shoreline Protection Commission, and Healing Our Waters coalition (HOW). Land Use 2005: League helped defeat a bill that would LWVUS Position: have weakened protections for existing Promote policies that manage land as a wetlands up to 0.5 acre without any finite resource and that incorporate principles of mitigation for the loss. stewardship. 2010: Successfully urged Governor Quinn to (See also LWVIL Land Use Policies) veto the STAR bond bill requiring development of a floodplain as part of a Water Resources downstate development program.

LWVUS Position: Support measures to reduce pollution in order to Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes protect surface water, groundwater and drinking Recognizing the threats to the health of the water. Great Lakes, Illinois League members are active participants in the League of Women LWVIL Action: Voters Lake Michigan Region (LWVLMR). LWVIL supported efforts to develop a state In 2013, the LWVIL Convention adopted the comprehensive groundwater protection plan Great Lakes Ecosystem position. For infor- based on a policy of non-degradation and rmation about LWVIL Action pertaining to continues to work for stronger legislation to the Great Lakes, see LWVIL Water position.. protect groundwater quality. Local Leagues have sponsored educational forums and In 2006 LWVIL worked to successfully halt the U.S. Coast Guard’s plans to conduct live

gunfire exercises using lead ammunition on States” covered by the CWA. In 2014, Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. LWVIL submitted comments supporting the draft rule and also signed on to a letter of In 2012, LWVIL signed on to a letter support originated by the Healing Our Waters requesting full funding of federal habitat Coalition. Additionally, LWVIL worked with restoration programs despite budgetary the LWV Cook County and signed on to two sequestration. letters urging the Cook County Board of LWVIL submitted comments to the Illinois Commissioners to support the rule. The rule EPA asking for stronger measures in the went into effect in August, 2015, but lawsuits NPDES water discharge permit for Midwest filed by states led to a stay of its Generation’s Waukegan Generation Plant in implementation in October, 2015. August, 2013. Concerns surrounded open storage of coal ash and discharge of heated The work of the Upper Mississippi River water, among other issues. Region (UMRR) InterLeague Organization has been the major focus on the sustainable LWVIL collaborated with the LWV Lake water front since UMRR's launch in October Michigan Region to produce a public 2015. An initiative begun by the Jo Daviess education project about flooding, nonpoint County League, UMRR has 60+ Leagues source pollution caused by stormwater runoff, from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and and green infrastructure solutions. Between Wisconsin supporting efforts to reduce February, 2014, and October, 2015, 28 nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorus) going into programs were presented in Illinois our waterways. Those nutrients in our communities, most arranged by local tributaries that feed the Mississippi River Leagues. have created the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Through a partnership with Rotary Asphalt Sealants made with coal tar pitch, a International, and with funding from other byproduct of refining coal, contain polycyclic non-profit organizations, UMRR is engaging aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are in watershed education throughout the region. known human carcinogens that are also toxic to aquatic life. Dust from the sealants created In 2016, LWVIL submitted comments on the by abrasion of surfaces by tires and snow- proposed Total Maximum Daily Load plows is washed into streams, rivers, and standards for Mercury and PCBs in Lake lakes by stormwater. Tests in DuPage County Michigan Nearshore Waters to the Illinois indicate that, as in other urbanized areas, EPA. more than half of the PAHs in the waterways come from coal tar sealants. In 2014, first Increasing concentrations of pharmaceuticals LWVIL signed on to three letters supporting are found in ground and surface waters across bans on coal tar sealant use and sales, and the state. LWV testified on behalf of the Cook continued annual support for state legislation County League in favor of an Ordinance which would ban their use through 2019 creating a safe Pharmaceutical Disposal program for the county which was successful The reach of the Clean Water Act (CWA) had in 2016. been made vague by Supreme Court decisions, requiring the US EPA and the US The LWVIL Education Fund collaborated Army Corps of Engineers to propose a with LWV Jo Daviess County in a series of definition of the “Waters of the United water protection projects. The first watershed

plan for the County was published in 2018, as reduction and recycling projects in their a result of these efforts. Additionally, in 2019, communities and co-sponsored IEPA microplastic was discovered in the local household hazardous waste pick-up days. groundwater for the first time. 1991: The LWVIL Solid Waste Legislation The Illinois EPA published a survey of water Committee researched and wrote two bills on service line materials for the first time in household hazardous waste (HHW) which 2019. Approximately one-fifth of the service were introduced into the Illinois General lines in Illinois are lead, and the composition Assembly in April. One bill required of two-thirds is unknown. The presence of counties to plan a separate collection of HHW lead pipes, or pipes with lead solder may and the other banned HHW from landfills threaten the safety of drinking water. A after 1996. Recognizing that an increasing workshop was presented at the 2019 Issues deficit in state revenues would thwart passage Briefing and a bill that would remove of either bill, the committee worked to amend dangerous water service lines over 10 years a bill which required the IEPA to plan to was among the focus legislation at the Lobby collect HHW from households and to Day. distribute public information on HHW. The bill was signed into law in September of 1992. Waste Management 1995: LWVIL co-sponsored with the IEPA LWVUS Position: six community outreach workshops Promote policies to reduce the generation throughout the state designed to inform plant and promote the reuse and recycling of solid managers, environmental managers and and hazardous wastes. public relations managers on ways to conduct (See LWVUS Impact on Issues for Criteria for meaningful and effective community Siting Waste Disposal Facilities.) outreach programs. Members from six local Leagues participated in each of the meetings. LWVIL Action: Source reduction, waste reduction and In support of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” recycling measures have been high LWVIL components of the waste management priorities. Over the years, LWVIL supported: hierarchy, as well as maximum protection of • restrictions on packaging, public health and the environment, the • recycling initiatives, League lobbied successfully during the • planning mandates, legislative session for the repeal of the Retail • the local review process for siting of Rate Law of 1987 which subsidized landfills or incinerators, incinerators. • stronger state regulation of hazardous waste and low-level radioactive waste, The League was part of a statewide outreach • pollution prevention initiatives and panel organized by the Chemical Industry funding for cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Council of Illinois (CICI) to address LWVIL also served on the state Task Force environmental, health and safety issues for the Development of Recycled Markets. related to chemical manufacturing in Illinois and to help shape a dialogue between Many local Leagues were active in expanding the industry and the public. The panel is part recycling mandates and organizing waste of the Responsible Care Initiative launched in

1988 by the Chemical Manufacturers vote against a national high-level waste Association (CMA). repository at Yucca Mountain.

2005: LWVIL also supported legislation In early 2015, at the request of the Downers strengthening Illinois EPA’s enforcement Grove-Woodridge-Lisle League, the LWVIL authority when dealing with hazardous prepared testimony to present to the DuPage releases into the soil and groundwater, County Board opposing construction of an protecting public health and the environment underground low-mid grade nuclear waste as well as promoting public participation in storage facility near the shores of Lake environmental decision-making. Huron. LWVIL and LWVUS approved the testimony and all the DuPage Leagues signed Nuclear Issues on. The County adopted a resolution opposing the project and it is now part of their LWVUS Position: legislative agenda in Washington. They join Promote the maximum protection of public Cook County and hundreds of other local health and safety and the environment. governments in both the US For further details on the LWVUS Nuclear and Canada opposing the facility. Issues position including Siting/Storage of High-Level and Low-Level Wastes, 2015: LWVIL and local leagues in DuPage Transportation of Nuclear Wastes, and and Cook Counties (with LWVUS Defense wastes, please refer to LWVUS permission) successfully lobbied local units Impact on Issues. The LWVUS position also of government to take action opposing contains lengthy statements on Appropriate construction of an underground low/mid State Action (pertaining to participation in grade nuclear waste storage facility near the regional compacts) and Inter-League shores of Lake Huron. The proposed facility Cooperation on nuclear issues. is opposed by hundreds of local and tribal governments in both the US and Canada; the LWVIL Action: Canadian government is still considering the 1990-91: LWVIL served as grant proposal in 2017. administrator for a fund established by the Illinois and Kentucky Compact Commission Going forward: Unresolved nuclear storage to enable citizens to participate fully in the and transportation issues are an important public hearing process on the siting of an state concern given that Illinois has the most Illinois low-level radioactive waste facility. nuclear power facilities of any state in the 1996: League reviewed applications from country. Nuclear waste is currently stored Illinois nonprofit groups for technical on-site, at both operating and retired facilities. assistance grant funds made available by the A new presidential administration in Central Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Washington, as well as continuing reports of Waste Compact Commission. These grants radiation problems at the damaged Fukushima allowed the groups to hire technical advisors (Japan) nuclear plant, and radiation leaks at a for the understanding of the criteria and military nuclear waste facility in Hanford, technical issues as well as presenting WA in 2017, are bringing nuclear waste testimony to the Illinois Low-Level issues back to the forefront. Radioactive Waste Task Group. Although the Obama administration tabled 2002: League, and coalition partners, spoke at plans for deep storage of spent nuclear fuel at a press conference in asking U.S. Senators to Yucca Mountain, NV, the new administration

and members of Congress began steps to As the public continued to question where restore the site in the summer of 2017. and how its food is produced, LWVIL raised the profile of agriculture and food issues Public Participation within League, through both education and advocacy, at the local and national level. To LWVUS Position: that end, caucus presentations on Promote public understanding and agriculture/food were held at the 2010 & participation in decision making as essential 2012 national conventions and 2011 & 2013 elements of responsible and responsive Illinois state conventions, the 2012 Illinois management of our natural resources. Issues Briefing, and to local Leagues during this time frame. In addition, LWVUS was LWVIL Action: LWVIL regularly takes petitioned in 2012, 2013, and 2014 to make action on Natural Resources positions, agriculture issues a legislative priority; applying the principles listed in the position. Illinois League members met with LWVUS on several occasions to discuss advocacy efforts, as well as with members of Congress and their staff on Farm Bill conservation

Agriculture Policy funding. 1988, 2014 With growing member interest and LWVUS Position: momentum building, Illinois Leagues Promote adequate supplies of food and fiber collaborated with the Chester County, PA at reasonable prices to consumers and League at the 2012 national convention on a support economically viable farms, environmentally sound farm practices and motion to update the agriculture position increased reliance on the free market. adopted in 1988. Convention delegates approved the motion and in 2013 the Federal Agriculture Policies: Provide background study materials, consensus financial support to subsidize agriculture questions, and Leaders’ Guide were in specific instances, enforce federal developed. Following study and consensus in antitrust laws to ensure competitive 2014, LWVUS adopted an updated agricultural markets and apply clean air agriculture position in May 2014. The 2014 and water regulations to all animal and study examined many contemporary topics aquaculture production. The federal (e.g. genetically modified foods and their government should fund basic agricultural labeling, use of antibiotics in animal research to provide adequate safety of our production, concentrated animal feeding food supply. operations) but did not update parts of the 1988 position (e.g. agriculture and trade). LWVIL Action : ●As an outgrowth of their involvement with ●LWVUS demonstrated great foresight when, educating the public on issues related to in 1988, it adopted an agriculture position concentrated animal feeding operations supporting sustainable agriculture. In 2011, (CAFOs) in 2011 (See the LWVIL position the Illinois League, seeing increased public on Large-Scale Livestock Facilities), the Jo interest in sustainability as well as division Daviess County League spearheaded a over contentious food and agricultural issues, watershed planning effort in the county, appointed a Sustainable Food & Water Issue convening a committee representing a cross- Specialist to the Issues Committee. section of stakeholders, including agricultural 46

interests. This laid the groundwork for their LWVIL Actions 2015-17 collaboration with Leagues from Iowa, The work of the Upper Mississippi River Wisconsin, and Minnesota to create the Upper Region (UMRR) InterLeague Organization Mississippi River Region (UMRR) ILO in has been the major focus on the sustainable 2015. Agricultural practices in the Upper water front since UMRR's launch in October Mississippi River Region have contributed 2015. An initiative begun by the Jo Daviess significantly to the high levels of phosphorus County League, UMRR has 60+ Leagues and nitrogen that created the Gulf of Mexico from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and hypoxic zone. USEPA has required each of Wisconsin supporting efforts to reduce the 12 states bordering the Mississippi to nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorus) going into develop strategies to substantially reduce the our waterways. Those nutrients in our loss of these nutrients by 2025. The UMRR tributaries that feed the Mississippi River ILO will engage in watershed literacy have created the Dead Zone in the Gulf of initiatives, monitor state, regional, and federal Mexico. Through a partnership with Rotary proposals affecting the region's interests, as International, and with funding from other well as coordinate advocacy efforts across non-profit organizations, UMRR is engaging state lines and congressional districts focusing in watershed education throughout the region. on regional natural resource issues, beginning It joins its sister organization, LWV Lake with reducing the loss of nutrients. Michigan Region, in this mission.

LWVIL NATURAL RESOURCES POSITIONS purely local decisions. The State should assist local governments with professional Comprehensive Land Use help and should encourage and facilitate intergovernmental cooperation. Policy Revised in 1975, 1977, 1997, and 1999 • A state agency with adequate staff and funding should be responsible for forming LWVIL Position: and implementing land use decisions. Opportunities for citizen participation The League of Women Voters of Illinois should be available at every stage of land supports: use planning. • Development of a comprehensive land use

policy for Illinois that provides for orderly Conservation of natural resources must be growth while preserving the environment, • the established policy of the state, and conservation of natural resources, citizens should be made aware of the role preservation of open space and protection they can play in conservation. of prime agricultural land from lesser uses Comprehensive land use planning and and intensive development.

• The League believes the State should citizen education are the major thrusts to establish the long-range goals of a harmonize growth and the preservation of comprehensive land use policy and that the resources. State should identify, plan for, and have the final authority over all key and critical areas • The League supports regional planning and in the state. The State should develop continuous mandatory funding for regional standards and broad guidelines for land planning agencies from local, state and use, but local governments should make federal resources 47

(see also LWVUS Natural Resources viewed as a benefit to local governments as position). they deal with development and its associated costs. Background The study of land use issues in Illinois began LWVIL Action in 1971, continued through 1974, and ran The land use position has been used to: concurrently with a 1972 national study. • Support passage of legislation that protects While the broad goals of each consensus are prime farmland from lesser uses. nearly identical, the state positions are more • Educate League members and other citizens specific and enhance the national position. on the need to preserve farmland from erosion and over-development. • Participate in a conflict resolution project Development Impact Fees with farm groups and other environmental 1997 organizations. LWVIL Position: • Support legislation to identify wetlands The League supports: needing protection, followed by • legislation at the state level regarding participation in a state advisory committee development impact fees. It is appropriate to implement the law. for such legislation to address fees for Support 1991 legislation giving the state capital expenditures for schools, libraries, • parks/open space, transportation, utilities some jurisdiction over dwindling and emergency services. wetlands. • Such legislation should be enabling only, • Provide local League testimony in and not directive. Only municipalities and opposition to the destruction of local counties should have the authority to wetlands, most recently in Lake County. assess development impact fees, and state • Promote intergovernmental cooperation and guidelines should be adaptable to home public involvement in implementing a rule and non-home rule communities. The comprehensive plan for Lake County, test for validity of impact fees in Illinois providing a balance for orderly growth and should be “rational nexus” and not transportation needs while protecting the “specifically and uniquely attributable.” environment, conserving natural resources • Enabling legislation should strive to effect some standardization of impact fee and preserving natural heritage. programs statewide, with flexibility for each • Support a position by the Naperville League to be designed to meet local needs. on long-term ecological impacts and public Background: health concerns of the Naperville Park Delegates to the 1997 LWVIL Convention District’s trap-shooting program in an adopted by concurrence a position on area containing wetlands and provide development impact fees, developed and comments to regulating authorities on the presented by the LWV of the Barrington issuance of a permit for continuance of the Area. This League’s local study of impact trap-shooting program. fees in 1990 revealed that only enabling • Lobby (1999), at the request of the Cook legislation for road impact fees existed at the County League, in opposition to developing state level. Communities enacting impact land on the west bank of the Des Plaines fees ordinances for other capital projects were River in the Chevalier Woods Forest doing so without state legislative guidelines, Preserve, which is both forest and flood perhaps risking legal challenges. Legislation plain, as a gambling casino. to set standards for the use of impact fees is • Sponsor informational meetings and symposiums related to the economic, social 48

and environmental problems associated represented at planning sessions held by with uncontrolled growth or urban sprawl Metropolis 2020. and “smart growth” solutions to these • LWVIL testified at the recertification problems, beginning in the late 1990s. hearing to keep the Chicago Area • Establish a task force (1998) to develop a Transportation Study (CATS) as the process for local Leagues to follow in Metropolitan Planning Organization for the addressing transportation issues, including greater Chicagoland area. LWVIL also the active inclusion of public participation testified for the Illinois Growth Task Force in local transportation needs and issues. and approved findings of the Committee. • In 1999, establish a Smart Growth • LWVIL testified before a Senate committee to educate and encourage local committee, sent out action alerts and League participation with their communities worked with coalition partners for Tollway on issues related to uncontrolled growth and reform. work on related issues at the state level. • In 2008, LWVIL monitored Blagojevich • Presented a “smart growth” panel at the administration budget cuts affecting open LWVIL 2000 Issues Briefing. spaces and natural areas protections and • Established a working relationship with causing state parks and historic sites the Northeastern Illinois Planning closures. The Legislature's action and Commission (NIPC) to promote the support from Gov. Quinn in 2009 restored regional planning process and facilitate some funding and reopened state parks. meetings throughout the Chicago • Supported statewide land acquisition region. programs to Illinois' natural heritage. • Established a working relationship with • Opposed a bill to divert State revenue to the Center for Neighborhood private developers to build on a l00 year Technology to improve public floodplain passed through the legislature in participation in regional planning in the 2009. The League urged Gov. Quinn to six Chicago area counties. veto the bill and he subsequently issued an • In 2001, worked in coalition to pass amendatory veto. (unsuccessfully) a series of seven “smart growth” bills. • Testified in support of additional public transportation. Large-Scale Livestock • Participated as a public member in the General Assembly’s “Illinois Growth Facilities Task Force.” 1999 • Monitored and supported legislation that LWVIL Position: balances the desire for growth of The League of Women Voters of Illinois communities with the need to protect supports strict regulations of large-scale farmland, green spaces and air and livestock facilities on the state, regional water quality, as well as promoting and/or county levels to include: transportation options and increased 1) Appropriate statewide environmental housing availability. controls: • In 2002 and 2003, LWVIL partnered with a) implement siting criteria to protect the Northeastern Illinois Planning water sensitive areas; Commission’s comprehensive land use b) require that all large-scale livestock planning process for the 2030 plan and was facilities management plans be

submitted to the appropriate agency outcome of a Livestock Summit convened by and be available to the public; the governor, would streamline environmental c) require that rates of the most controls, change setback requirements, and potentially damaging components limit public participation relating to the siting (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and operations of such facilities in the state. potassium, heavy metals) be used as

parameters for livestock waste application on crops to minimize land 2008-2011: Mega Dairy Proposal for Jo and water pollution; Daviess County: A new dairy that would d) require set back distances from have been the largest such farming operation bodies of water, wells for human in the state, was proposed for northwestern consumption and residences Illinois. The area’s karst geology, opponents necessary to protect public health; claimed, is such that a manure pond leak e) require owners to provide bonding, could quickly contaminate local groundwater insurance indemnity funds or other and spills could contaminate surface water. financial assurances to ensure that Although the Jo Daviess County Board the owners, not the taxpayers, pay for rejected the proposal and the Galena City the cost of cleanups from spills or Council called for a county moratorium on closing of facilities; f) require inspections more frequently large Concentrated Animal Feeding than once per year to ensure Operations (CAFOs), the Illinois Department compliance with environmental of Agriculture (IDA) approved the permit. A standards and practices; series of lawsuits ensued while animosity g) extend current rules for lagoons to all between dairy proponents and opponents types of waste handling facilities; grew. The courts eventually ruled in the h) not distinguish between farm and dairy’s favor, but the owners decided to move non-farm residences in setback elsewhere, leaving the community divided. distances from facilities. 2) Public hearing to give notice of the The Jo Daviess County LWV decided to act intention to site a facility, determine both to become better informed on the issue compliance with state, regional and/or and to help rebuild community.. A day-long local criteria, and determine compliance public seminar was held in June 2011. The with state environmental criteria. seminar addressed the history and changing 3) Regional and/or county control of siting. economics of the dairy industry, as well as Background county, state & federal agricultural siting 1999 LWVIL Convention delegates adopted frameworks, and state regulations of these by concurrence a position on large-scale facilities. A 4-disc CD set was made of this livestock facilities developed by the Jackson event, and the Jo Daviess League County League. Local Leagues held continued to interview and videotape both informational and roundtable discussions on proponents and opponents of the proposed the environmental and economic impacts of dairy to increase their own knowledge of the increased livestock production in Illinois. complex economic, environmental and social Large-scale livestock facilities regulations issues presented by such enterprises. It has were negotiated and passed by the General participated in discussions with other Assembly as part of the Livestock stakeholders regarding the possible use of Management Facilities Act. methane digester technology for manure treatment. 2005: LWVIL was concerned that the Illinois Livestock Development Initiative, an

2012 LWVIL joined a coalition of Background environmental & industry groups to support a Adopted at 1991 LWVIL Convention, based negotiated bill establishing permit fees for on a 1990 Lake Michigan LWV position. CAFOs required to have a NPDES discharge permit. An April 2012 TFA urged League LWVIL Action members to ask their legislators for support. Supported Integrated Pest Management The bill became law. (IPM) policies, especially in schools, and opposed the preemption of local Contemporaneous with the Jo Daviess governmental pesticide regulations. County mega-dairy proposal, citizen Local Leagues co-sponsored sustainable opponents petitioned USEPA to withdraw agriculture conferences and integrated pest Illinois EPA's approval to administer the management forums; worked with school Clean Water Act citing IEPA's failure to districts on IPM implementation. update NPDES permitting requirements for CAFOs, among other things. Finding Illinois 1993: As part of a statewide local League EPA's program deficient, USEPA required network, several local Leagues joined the Illinois to adopt such rules and take other efforts of the Illinois Pesticide Education relevant actions to enhance environmental Network and the Safer Pest Control protection . In 2012, Illinois EPA proposed Project, gathering and sharing information on such rules to the Illinois Pollution Control better and safer ways to prevent problems in Board (IPCB) and this rulemaking (R2012- the home and community. 023 and 023A) continued through 2015. The IPCB adopted new regulations in 2014 and 1996: LWVIL joined the Yards for Nature concluded rulemaking on all aspects in June Campaign to inform the public about the 2015 following IPCB's reconsideration of its hazards of unnecessary chemical pesticides proposal regarding creation of a CAFO on lawns and green space and to provide inventory. League members attended public resources on non-chemical alternatives. hearings and LWVIL submitted multiple written comments at various stages in this 1998: Participated in the Safer Pest Control process. Project task force, identifying policies and programs to protect children from unnecessary exposure to pesticides.

Pesticides 1999: League joined A Better Choice 1991 Campaign for Healthier Schools formed by LWVIL Position: the task force. Successes included amending • The League supports the reduction of the Structural Pest Control Act to require the exposure to all pesticides and urges the adoption of an IPM program in schools and use of non-toxic alternatives. changes to the Illinois Pesticide Act requiring • Governmental bodies should encourage a parent and staff notification prior to pesticide reduction in pesticide use through the application inside school buildings and on promotion of management programs such school grounds. as integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture and non-toxic 2002: LWVIL attended the Healthy Schools control techniques. summit and joined the Illinois Healthy Schools Campaign, a statewide coalition working to heighten awareness with 51

legislators, schools, and parents on the need special habitats without adherence to strict for environmentally safe schools. criteria as prescribed by federal, state, or local governments. January 1, 2008, the Structural Pest Control • Provide for appropriate recreational Act expired after legislation to extend a opportunities in and public access to sensitive sunset provision in the Act did not areas without destruction or harm to the pass. LWVIL supported Legislation to ecosystem. extend the Act to December 31, 2009; it • Protect the quality of the air and waters of passed both the Illinois House and Senate, the ecosystem by strict adherence to one of the few environmental legislative agricultural, industrial, residential, successes of the Spring 2008 session. environmental, and commercial zoning regulations that prohibit the introduction of 2009: Legislation to extend the repeal date of toxic or polluting discharges or detrimental the Structural Pest Control Act to 2019 did land use techniques within the Basin. not pass. • Protect the remaining dune formations. Enforce strict regulations of sand dune League supported successful legislation mining or development on the dunes. regulating the pesticide application in schools • Strengthen upstream land management to and childcare centers and recommending a eliminate sources of siltation and pollution. Pesticide-Free Turf Care program. • Control the invasion and spread of nonnative aquatic and terrestrial nuisance species.

Water-Great Lakes II. Threats to the Ecosystem The League of Women Voters of Illinois Ecosystem opposes the following activities as they can 2013 lead to the degradation of the special natural LWVIL Position: resources of the Great Lakes Ecosystem: • The League of Women Voters of Illinois Inefficient or excessive water uses. Proposals supports preserving and enhancing the for new or increased withdrawals within the environmental integrity and quality of the Basin, e.g. for agricultural or municipal uses, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Ecosystem. should be carefully evaluated before being We support the attainment and maintenance permitted. Withdrawals should be regularly of high water quality standards throughout the monitored for potential or actual damage to Great Lakes Basin, with emphasis on water the ecosystem. pollution prevention. Water conservation • Destruction of marshes and other wetlands should be a high priority of all governments throughout the watershed. Mitigation should in the Basin. be accepted only as a last resort. Mitigation proposals should be rigorously evaluated and I. Protective Measures projects should be strictly monitored to assure To achieve protection and improvement of no net loss to the ecosystem. this valuable, international resource, the • New or increased diversions or transfers by League of Women Voters of Illinois supports any means of Great Lakes waters and efforts to: adjacent ground waters to a place outside the • Limit uses of "fragile," historical, cultural Basin. Projects already in place should be and scenic shoreline areas. carefully monitored and restricted if there is • Preserve wild and pristine areas within the evidence of damage to the ecosystem. watershed, with no new development in these 52

• Dredging and filling of river inlets, harbors, • Effective, non-toxic control and removal of lakes or wetlands except for tightly- invasive aquatic and terrestrial species. controlled, non-degrading and non-repetitive • Restoration of health to the overall resource. activities. • Survival of native aquatic and terrestrial • Discharge to air or water of toxic pollutants species and their nutrient sources. and other material from industrial, • Continual testing of Great Lakes water agricultural, residential or commercial quality for impact from the following: operations that may damage the ecosystem in pesticides and fertilizers, resistant bacteria, violation of laws and ordinances. persistent pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. III. Public Participation • Evaluation of water accountability systems, The League of Women Voters of Illinois groundwater monitoring and water use supports informed and responsible action on planning and conservation efforts throughout behalf of the preservation of the Great Lakes the Basin Ecosystem. Relevant information should be readily available to the public. Opportunities LWVIL Action: for public input should be timely, accessible, The U.S.S. Badger, a ferry running between convenient and well advertised. Wisconsin and Michigan, was subject to a federal Consent Decree requiring that it cease IV. Role of Government its practice of dumping untreated coal ash into The League of Women Voters of Illinois Lake Michigan. In April, 2012, LWVIL supports: submitted comments to the Assistant • Coordination of functions among various Attorney General asking for a strengthened governmental agencies charged with Decree, including a reduction in the time protecting the Great Lakes and elimination of allowed for compliance. Earlier, LWVIL unnecessary overlap. submitted letters to the editor opposing the • Use of area-wide coordinated management toxic pollution. plans and techniques in the solving of Great Concerned about potential leaks from oil Lakes Ecosystem problems. pipelines that run adjacent to Lake Michigan, • Participation by all affected governments in LWVIL joined partners in 2013 in requesting the Basin in review and decision- making on a Supplemental Environmental Impact Great Lakes agreements and projects, Statement for the tar sands pipelines. facilitated in open meetings and hearings. • Strengthening of existing mechanisms for Invasive species coming into U.S. waters are intergovernmental discussions and decision- of great concern. The League is monitoring making. efforts to prevent an Asian Carp invasion into • Separation of responsibility for submitting Lake Michigan and to control the introduction recommendations for governmental projects and spread of non-indigenous species from from issuing permits for such projects. ships discharging ballast water. In February, • Monitoring and enforcement of treaties, 2014, LWVIL submitted comments to the US ordinances, laws and master plans. Army Corps of Engineers on the Great Lakes- Mississippi River Interbasin Study supporting V. Research Priorities the separation of the watersheds to prevent The League of Women Voters of Illinois the transfer of nonnative species, and urging believes that research on Great Lakes issues better public outreach to Illinois citizens on should focus on: these matters.

Working with LWV Lake Michigan Region members have traveled to Washington DC for and the Healing Our Waters Coalition, Great Lakes Lobby Day annually to express LWVIL continues to support implementation the League’s support for robust federal of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration funding of projects benefitting the lakes, and continued funding of the Great Lakes including removal of toxic sediment, Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Illinois League addressing invasive species, and restoration three years. Local Leagues in homerule of habitat. municipalities are supporting local bans and this work is ongoing. Amendment 2 to HB LWVILEF carried out clean water education 2958 would allow non-homerule communities projects, often working with local Leagues. (most with fewer than 25,000 population) to Through the 2016 “Rooting for Clean Water” pass bans as well. Congratulations are due to program funded by an Illinois Coastal the LWV of Wilmette for successfully Management Grant, materials on the role of advocating for its Village ban of coal tar native plants in helping to clean water were sealants. created. Approximately 1000 flyers and 100 bumper stickers were distributed to local 2015-17 Leagues, members, and others along the Lake Michigan coast. A very successful workshop Asked LWVUS to sign on to a letter was held in August, 2016 with a bus tour of a requesting continued Great Lakes Restoration Wilmette prairie and several home landscapes Initiative (GLRI) funding in July, 2015 to learn how to use native plants. Hundreds of additional materials provided by the LWV • Issued a TFA requesting calls to Lake Michigan Region, our collaborator in Senator Kirk to express this project, were distributed to and through disappointment with his co- Illinois Leagues outside of the coastal area. A sponsorship of a bill that would powerpoint presentation remains available to weaken the Clean Water Act in garden clubs and other groups that would like November, 2015. to learn about native plants’ role as nature’s • Submitted comments on the proposed water treatment plants. Total Maximum Daily Load standards for Mercury and PCBs in Lake The LWVILEF acquired two watershed Michigan Nearshore Waters to the demonstration models with funding through a Illinois EPA in February, 2016. Very second IL Department of Natural Resources significant reductions of both grant. Seventeen volunteers were trained to pollutants are required to meet federal use the models to demonstrate watershed water quality standards. League dynamics and sources of water pollution. The comments emphasized that a strong model has been and will continue to be used implementation plan is needed, and for public outreach and community events that the Waukegan Generating Station throughout 2017. and coal-fired power plants in neighboring states create air pollution LWVIL has worked toward banning coal tar that must also be addressed to achieve sealants, a source of water pollution. Organic healthier water. compounds in these sealants are harmful to • Asked local Leagues to request that human, animal, and aquatic ecosystem health. their state legislators co-sponsor a bill The League supported legislation that would banning coal tar sealants in 2016 ban these substances statewide for the past Legislative Interviews. Several 54

Leagues reported that their legislators LWVIL sent out a second TFA supporting asked for more information. LWVIL the amended bill, and also provided a President Mary Kubasak responded template for a Letter to the Editor to directly with follow-up letters to the local Leagues. The bill failed to pass for legislators. the third year. • Testified on behalf of the Cook • Issued a TFA supporting federal FY2018 County League in favor of an GLRI funding at $300 million. A Letter to Ordinance creating a safe the Editor template was sent to the local Pharmaceutical Disposal program for Leagues in April. the county. An amended version passed on October 26, 2016. • Signed on to a letter in September initiated by the Healing Our Waters Two federal issues commanded attention in Coalition opposing the repeal of the 2017. The first was budgetary: LWVIL advocated Clean Water Rule. for maintaining the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) program at $300 million, the Outlook same level it had been funded at in recent years. In 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The administration eliminated the program in its released its study and tentative recommendation proposed budget. After outcry from League of how to prevent Asian carp and other invasive members and many others in the region, full species from using the Illinois Sanitary and Ship funding was restored in the budget by and was Canal to spread between the Great Lakes and the approved by the House and the Senate Mississippi River watersheds. The tentative plan appropriation committees. The federal budget is a multiprong approach that includes process continues at the time of submission of construction of a third electric barrier at the this report. We also supported adequate and Brandon Road locks. The proposed completion of increased funding for other federal water the project is in 2028. The LWV Lake Michigan infrastructure programs. Region submitted comments criticizing the plan as too little, too late, but recommending The rescission and recodification of the Waters of installation of the parts of the plan that can be the U.S. Rule under the Clean Water Act was the implemented quickly as interim measures. The second federal water issue that LWVIL addressed. Army Corps is in the process of reviewing The 2015 rule, supported by the League, clarified comments from the public and should issue a which waters are subject to Clean Water Act final plan by 2019. regulations. The administration seeks to extend the date the rule goes into effect by two years so The current administration in Washington it will have more time to consider a replacement continues to issue directives that negatively rule. The League opposed the rescission of the impact our water resources and to eliminate current rule. protective regulations at a rapid pace. Funding for the U.S. EPA and other agencies that Legislative Activity: administer water programs has been cut. The • Issued a TFA in March supporting HB cuts at the federal level will likely result in 2958, a Coal Tar Ban. In May, the reduced funding that is passed through to Illinois proposed legislation was amended to agencies that maintain and protect our lakes, allow non-homerule municipalities to rivers, streams, and groundwater. adopt local bans on coal tar sealants.

LWVUS SOCIAL POLICY POSITIONS Summary of League of Women Voters of the United States Positions and Major Action by the Illinois League Complete LWVUS Positions in Impact on Issues.

See LWVUS Impact on Issues for the complete text and background on each LWVUS issue.

LWVUS Position: for equal access to education and support for Secure equal rights and equal opportunity for desegregation to promote equal access. all. Promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. Federal Programs The League has supported many federal education programs including some to meet Equality of Opportunity special educational needs of the poor and 1969, 1972, 1980, 1989, 2010 minorities and others to give women and minorities equal educational opportunities. LWVUS Position: The League worked for Title IX passage to LWVUS believes that the federal government prohibit sex discrimination in educational shares with other levels of government institutions that receive federal aid and has responsibility to provide equality of since worked to prevent Title IX from being opportunity for education, employment and scaled back. housing for all persons in the United States regardless of their age, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual Education Financing: Most action on orientation or disability. school financing equity takes place at the state level where school financing laws are Education made. See LWVIL Schools and Fiscal Policy positions pages for Illinois action. Integration: The LWVUS is committed to racial integration of schools as a necessary LWVIL Action: condition for equal access to education. LWVIL opposes both state and federal tuition tax credits and school voucher proposals. In Quality Education: Although the 1974-76 1999 LWVIL filed an unsuccessful Federal LWVUS Program included “equal access...to Court suit to block implementation of the quality education,” and believes the two are 1999 Tuition Tax Credit law. inseparable, the LWVUS did not determine a common League definition that could serve as Employment a basis for nationwide education. Thus, when the definition of quality is a key factor in a LWVUS has supported federal job training state or local community, a local or state programs and is on record as being in favor of League has had to conduct its own study. a full employment policy. See LWVUS

Impact on Issues for further details and Tuition Tax Credits: Since 1978 LWVUS criteria. has opposed tax credits for families of children attending private elementary and secondary schools based on League support

LWVIL Action: supported Federal regulatory changes to Illinois Leagues have monitored Job Training strengthen enforcement, and alerted Leagues Partnership Act programs. LWVIL has to contact targeted representatives. The supported state legislation to strengthen League sent a letter to the Illinois House employment protections available under Labor Committee supporting the Equal Pay federal civil rights laws. LWVIL continues to Act of 2003, which prohibits gender-based support job set-asides in government pay discrimination. programs and strategies to move Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) LWVIL action: recipients into long-term employment in jobs 2015 The League continues to work on pay that place them above the federal poverty equality for women. According to National line. League opposes any reduction for Women's Law Center 2014 Census Poverty education and training in the proposed TANF Data, the poverty rate among women was rules. LWVIL works with Chicago Jobs 14.7% while the rate for adult men was Council and Illinois Works for the Future on 10.9%. The poverty rate for women 65 years employment and other workforce initiatives. and older was 12.1% compared to 7.4% for men. More than 2/3 of elderly poor are LWVIL has supported an improved women. In addition, more than 1/2 of poor workforce development system that aids children lived in female-headed families disadvantaged job seekers and low income League continues to advocate for programs workers throughout the state, including such as EITC and Child Tax Credit, improve expanded educational opportunities after high pathways to good education and careers for school graduation. all. In addition most renters need to earn $18.78 per hour in order to pay the rent for a Nondiscrimination and two bedroom apartment. Affirmative Action; Pay Equity Fair Housing The League has strongly supported affirmative action programs for minorities LWVUS supports programs and policies that and women through legislative and regulatory will provide equal housing access and curb advocacy as well as litigation. League work discrimination using a set of criteria listed in on pay equity (equal pay for jobs of the full position statement. comparable worth) stemmed from member concern over the feminization of poverty. LWVIL Action: Leagues have supported fair housing by LWVIL Action: monitoring anti-red-lining legislation and The League has supported legislation that regulation of mortgage bankers. LWVIL based state employee pay scales on monitored compliance with the 1988 Federal comparable worth and legislation Fair Housing Act Amendments, which strengthening civil rights at both the state and prohibit housing discrimination against the federal levels. From 1995-97, LWVIL physically and mentally disabled. League worked with the Coalition for Equal supported proposed legislation to amend the Opportunity to protect the gains made by Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination women and minorities in the workplace, against housing voucher holders, the disabled business and education. LWVIL testified and others with legal sources of income in before an Illinois Senate subcommittee, their right to apply for housing. 57

Equal Rights Senate vote, the ERA never came to the Illinois House for consideration. LWVUS Position: Support equal rights for all regardless of sex In an attempt to move the ERA out of the and action to bring laws into compliance with Senate and into the House with a positive 3/5 the Equal Rights Amendment. majority House vote, LWVIL in 2017 worked in coalition with a number of organizations, LWVIL action: initiated a number of TFAs and contacted key targeted legislators. LWVIL made a tremendous commitment to passing the Equal Right Amendment (ERA) 2017-2019: In 2018, the state of Illinois ratified in Illinois, including efforts to change the the Equal Rights Amendment! General Assembly's 3/5 ratification rule to a Specifically, in a bipartisan vote, on April 11, 2018 simple majority. The League has worked to the IL Senate ratified ERA(SJRCA 4) and on May bring Illinois laws into compliance with the 30, 2018 the IL House ratified the ERA. Thus, goals of the ERA, including support of gender Illinois is now the 37th state out of the required 38 neutral insurance practices and re-establishing states necessary for ratification. In the Senate, the State Commission on the Status of the vote was 43 YEAS to 12 NAYS. With a 3/5 membership majority required, the House vote Women, on which members sat on various was 72 YEAS to 45 NAYS resulting in passage by working groups. only two votes! LWVIL efforts for ERA ratification In 2002, LWVIL again worked with an ERA by Illinois was part of an active, concerted effort Illinois coalition for ratification to the U.S. with other organizations working with the ERA Constitution in the Illinois Legislature. The Illinois coalition. amendment passed the Illinois House in At the LWVUS 2018 convention in Chicago in Spring 2003. Local League members June 2018, the Illinois delegation in coalition with extensively lobbied their senators, especially other state Leagues was successful in getting the in targeted districts throughout 2003 and LWVUS convention to adopt a resolution stating 2004. However, ERA passage failed in the that LWVUS would emphasize its ERA ratification 93rd Illinois General Assembly. support in 2018-2020.

In Congress in January 2019, both SJRes 6 and Again in 2014, LWVIL worked with an HJRes 38 to remove 1982 deadline for ERA ERA coalition for ratification in the Illinois ratification were introduced. For the first time in General Assembly. In 2014, the Illinois 36 years, there was a congressional hearing on Senate ratified the ERA, but the Illinois the ERA. The US Judiciary Committee on April House never had a floor vote on ERA either 30, 2019 held its two hour plus hearing to gain information on issues related to the deadline in the May regular session or in the removal. November veto session. A 3/5 majority would have been required for ratification in May and in November. Fiscal Policy 1984, 1985 and 1986 In February 2017, Illinois Senator Heather LWVUS Position: Steans, as the lead Senate ERA sponsor, Support adequate, flexible funding of federal introduced the ERA as SJRCA0004 for government programs through an equitable ratification. It was adopted by the Illinois tax system that is progressive overall and Senate Executive Committee, but was never that relies primarily on a broad-based income scheduled for a Senate floor vote. Without a tax; promote responsible deficit policies;

support a federal role in providing mandatory, • Medicaid funding for prenatal care, universal, old-age, survivors, disability and nursing women, children under 6 health insurance. • Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to serve eligible Medicaid patients The LWVUS Fiscal Policy Position also • Financial incentives to increase health addresses Tax Policy, the Federal Deficit care workers in underserved areas and Funding of Entitlements. • Women have option to select an LWVIL Actions obstetrician/gynecologist as primary In 1993, the LWVIL and several local health care provider in managed care Leagues joined the newly established League plans of Women Voters Federal Budget Network, which evolved into the Grassroots Lobby Locally, leagues urged their counties to Corps. In 2001, LWVUS and LWVIL joined provide health services for the indigent, the First Things First Coalition in advocating access to and information on family planning that the federal government put “first things and abortion services. first” and spend revenues on necessary government programs that the League LWVIL worked with the Campaign for Better supports rather than cut taxes. The League Health Care (CBHC) to pass the Health Care testified at a rally on April 11, 2001 and Justice Act (2004), gave testimony to the participated in a Grassroots lobbying effort Adequate Health Care Task Force at opposing the tax cuts (see LWVIL State statewide hearings. The Task Force’s final Fiscal Policies position). report with the recommendation for affordable, quality health care for all Illinois citizens was presented to the Governor and legislature in 2007. However, enabling Health Care legislation expired January 2009. 1993 2009-2011 LWVUS Position: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law Promote a health care system for the United in March 2010 after a protracted, contentious, States that provides access to a basic level of partisan process. LWVUS endorsed the bill to quality care for all U.S. residents and controls advance its position for universal access to health care costs. care. LWVIL leagues advocated for the bill in coalition with the CBHC. The full position includes: Goals, Basic Level of Quality Care, Financing and Consumer protection provisions of the ACA Administration, Taxes, Cost Control began within months, full implementation to Methods, and Allocation of Resources to be phased in by 2020. Americans remain Individuals. divided on the law and are unsure how the law will benefit them. The health insurance LWVIL Action: requirement for all citizens is under assault in LWVIL has supported the following federal courts. legislative initiatives. The Illinois Governor’s Health Reform • Medical assistance for TANF (Temporary Implementation Council was created to Assistance for Needy Families) monitor and make recommendations for state implementation of the ACA. LWVIL testified 59

at a Council hearing citing the pressing need by 2014, the federal government will set up for health insurance reform. and manage it. Alternatively, states may choose to pursue a partnership exchange in The Affordable Care Act calls on states to which the state plays a role in the create a health insurance exchange by 2014. development and operation of the Exchange. League supported SB 1729, The Competitive As of April 23, 2013, 16 states and DC will Healthcare Marketplace Plan, to set up set up state based exchanges. infrastructure for a 2014 Exchange. LWVIL worked in coalition with CBHC to 2011-2013 ensure an Illinois Exchange is consumer- In June 2012 the Supreme Court ruled the based with independent governance and free ACA constitutional, although states were not from conflict of interest. It has been a required to expand the Medicaid provision. protracted process. A last minute bill Furthermore, if a state does not choose to supported by the insurance industry became participate in expansion, the federal law in 2011, supplanting model legislation government cannot withdraw all Medicaid LWVIL and other advocates supported. funding. In November, President Barack Obama was elected for a second term, a LWVIL testified at a hearing of the Bipartisan favorable outlook for the law. However, Legislative Study Group formed by the 2011 opposition continued: the House of law, to advocate for a consumer-focused bill. Representatives voted over two dozen times Information and a TFA for a coalition to repeal the law. Polls showed that most bill was sent to LWV membership in the veto Americans were uncertain session; no action taken. how the ACA would affect them. In June 2012 a TFA requested calls to the LWVIL and CBHC co-sponsored workshops Governor to set up a Marketplace by for individual women and leaders of women's Executive Order. However the Governor organizations throughout the state to speak requested a federal-state partnership out in support of the ACA. Marketplace for 2014, transitioning to a state based Marketplace in 2015. Enabling Medicaid Expansion legislation, needed Illinois, with 20 other states, chose to expand for the transition, was filed in the 2013 Medicaid coverage for those with incomes of session. HB3227, supported by LWVIL, 138% of federal poverty level or less. The passed the Senate, but not called in the House ACA funds 100% of Medicaid Expansion for despite indications of more than sufficient 2014-16, phasing down to 90% by 2020. In votes to pass. Illinois an estimated 500,000 more citizens would have coverage. 2013-2015 LWVIL lobbied in support of Medicaid Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Expansion. PA980104 became law in 2013. Enrollment Health Insurance Marketplace Initial October 2013 enrollment on Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange) Healthcare.gov, the federal website, was ACA State Health Insurance Exchanges are disastrous; technical issues were resolved by online, competitive marketplaces for an industry team by year-end. Year two consumers and small businesses to compare enrollment was greatly improved. prices and shop for health insurance. If a state does not elect to implement an Exchange 60

Second Enrollment Status @ 2/15/15: coalition partners in support of resolution in Nationwide: 11.4 million signed up, response to Governor’s proposed $1.5 billion renewed plans cut to Medicaid. Illinois: 347,300 enrolled in private plans, 78% eligible for subsidy, averaging LWVIL Support for Navigators: witness $210/month slips were submitted in opposition to several 575,000 enrolled in bills that would have derailed the Navigator Medicaid, surpassing estimates Program. Despite clear federal policies on all aspects of hiring, training and supervision of ACA Provisions in effect: Grand Total 20 Navigators in the Illinois Partnership million gain coverage nationwide including Marketplace, the bills set out redundant and marketplaces, young adults through parents’ expensive provisions designed to negatively plans, direct purchases through impact 2015 enrollment. All bills remain in insurers, adults and children enrolled in Rules. Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program. Consumer protections, as coverage For information on Public Policy and LWVIL of pre-existing conditions, enhanced actions on Reproductive Choices, including preventive and women’s health care. Affordable Care Act provisions, see LWVUS Citizen Rights positions. ACA Legal Issues 2015-17 In King v. Burwell LWVUS joined an amicus President Trump and Congressional brief heard by the Supreme Court March Republicans vowed to repeal the Affordable 2015. The case challenged whether tax credit Care Act (ACA) in 2017 as a first order of subsidies can be provided to applicants for business. health insurance through federally facilitated health exchanges or just to those using an The Urban Institute reported repeal of the exchange established directly by a state. If ACA would mean an estimated 1.2 million the Court blocked subsidies to states using the people in Illinois would lose health insurance federal exchange, Illinois and 36 other states by 2019. Illinois has 3 million on Medicaid would have been impacted. On June 25 including 700,000 on ACA Expanded SCOTUS ruled 6-3 for tax subsidies to Medicaid covering disabled, seniors, low- continue through both federal and state exchanges. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote income adults and families with children, for the majority, “Congress passed the ACA rural and children’s hospitals. The prospect of to improve health insurance markets, not to changes to Medicaid structure, as block destroy them.” grants, would put Illinois in a precarious State Health Insurance Exchange position given the dire financial status. (Marketplace) last ditch efforts to pass a bill Moderate-income families in the ACA for a state exchange failed in the 2014 veto Marketplace would risk losing cost sharing session. With that, Illinois missed the application deadline for federal set up funds subsidies, an average deduction of 61%. of $300-500 million. 2017 Bills to Repeal ACA: 2015 House Resolution 253 Protect Illinois Medicaid: Illinois joined Health Care Countless efforts tried unsuccessfully to repeal the ACA. The American Health Care Act only 61

passed the House in April. It would have resulted Leaders Update: Advocacy information and in an estimated 24 million people eventually strategies for local league on potential Senate losing coverage, including those with pre-existing bill. conditions. A Senate bill in July lost with three opposing Republican votes, including Senator Testimony: House Appropriations Human McCain’s. A final effort by Senators Graham and Services Committee Cassidy failed to come to a vote in September. Margaret O’Hara, LWVIL Health Care Issue Specialist, testified on a panel of nurses in League Activity 2017 LWVIL joined Protect Our Care Illinois support of HR 445 opposing the American (PoCIL), a Coalition of advocacy and social Health Care Act. She cited experience with service groups to lobby for “no repeal of the financial devastation and lack of ACA without adequate replacement.” Letters appropriate care suffered by patients with were sent to Leagues in Congressional preexisting conditions and inadequate Districts with representatives supporting insurance. The panel called out the Governor repeal. Members were asked to engage with them during the February recess through TFA: Contact Governor Rauner to publicly personal meetings, rallies and social media. oppose cuts to Medicaid in any legislation to repeal, replace or modify ACA. Leagues organized Q and A Public Forums Sign on to organizational letter to Governor in the 14th District (Hultgren) and 16th to oppose ACA repeal. (Kinzinger), two of seven IL representatives who supported straight repeal of the ACA. Drive For Our Lives national bus tour stop Rep. Roskam (6th District) refused to in Chicago for Press Conference and Rally by participate in a public meeting organized by Health Coalition partners. Leagues in his District. TFA: Contact Governor to oppose Graham- TFA : Contact targeted U.S. Representatives Cassidy proposal. to commit to a bill that is an acceptable and Sign on to organizational letter to Illinois genuine replacement for ACA. Also call Congressional Delegation to renew CHIP Governor Rauner asking him to reinforce (Children’s Health Insurance Program) that with IL Congressional Delegation the dire covers 325,000 IL children; expires 9/30. effects that a repeal without adequate replacement would have on Illinois financial Sign on to letter to letter to Illinois status. Congressional Delegation to renew CHIP and Maternal Infant Home Visiting Program; TFA: Contact Governor to send a strong added to Facebook and Twitter. message to members of U.S. Congress, Sign on to letter to Medicare and Medical Services opposing ACA healthcare.gov particularly the Illinois delegation, to refrain weekend shutdowns for maintenance and from voting for cuts to Medicaid benefits. shortened enrollment period.

2018 - 2019 • Medicaid Eligibility Reform • Youth PrEP: Clarifies that health care Issues providers can prescribe Pre-exposure The Affordable Care Act. Enrollment in ACA prophylaxis to youth as allowed by FDA; Exchanges for 2018 was down just 3.7%” despite helps significantly reduce the amount of new uncertainty generated by President’s executive HIV cases in Illinois among youth; maintains orders to cut subsidies, shorter enrollment current access to STI (Sexually Transmitted periods, and decreased marketing. By 2018 Infection) testing and treatment. midterm election citizen support rose for ACA provisions, especially coverage for pre-existing Unsuccessful advocacy: conditions and States’ Medicaid Expansion • Do No Harm Healthcare – The Governor initiatives vetoed In December 2018, a Federal Court in Texas • Short Term Limited Duration Health ruled the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Insurance Act: Provides consumer unconstitutional. The law remains in effect as protections to this type of Health the ruling is challenged. On July 9th, the Fifth Insurance. While we supported this as a Circuit Court of appeals heard oral arguments stand-alone bill, we withdrew our support in the case. when this provision was mixed with others If ACA is struck down the Kaiser Family which were not aligned with our positions. Foundation maintains that nearly all That “sausage bill” became law. Americans would be affected in some • Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Bill way. Along with Marketplace coverage, the • Child access to lead prevention law also covers employer-provided plans, service. Would have amended the Early Medicaid, and Medicare drug plans. Interventions Act to ensure that young Because of efforts by the Trump administration, children have access to critical services and such as eliminating the Individual Mandate, support that can prevent lead-induced obtaining adequate healthcare in Illinois is a cognitive delay. struggle. Monitoring: HB0001 Infant and Maternal Illinois Medicaid services have been curtailed by Mortality Act a backlog of applications for the over 3 million citizens who rely on Medicaid. Almost half of For information on Public Policy and LWVIL recipients are dropped every year because of actions on Reproductive Choices, including system glitches with renewal for eligibility Affordable Care Act provisions, see LWVUS Child and Maternal Health: Childhood Lead Citizen Rights positions. Poisoning, Pre-Exposure HIV treatment of vulnerable teens, and Infant and Maternal Immigration Mortality among African Americans 2008

LWVUS Position: League Action Promote reunification of immediate families; Successful advocacy- These became laws: meet the economic, business and • CHIP Children’s Health Insurance Program: employment needs of the United States; be refunded through fiscal year 2023! responsive to those facing political • Stock Asthma Med in Schools, persecution or humanitarian crises; and • No Tobacco Products under 21, provide for student visas. Ensure fair 63

treatment under the law for all persons. In and jobs; continued examination of transition to a reformed system, support transportation policies in light of these goals. provisions for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status. LWVIL Action on Housing Supply: Background: LWVIL has worked through the Northeastern Since 2008--LWVUS has continued to Illinois Planning Commission to encourage support comprehensive immigration reform. affordable housing opportunities in Since the adoption of its position, LWVUS conjunction with job opportunities. Working has advocated for a clean Dream Act, with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, supported the DACA program, & has Housing Action Illinois, LWVIL supported opposed the deportation of non-criminal legislation creating a flexible pool of funding undocumented immigrants. LWVUS has for local communities use to prevent family opposed a citizenship question on the US homelessness. The League supports Census, has opposed Muslim bans, supported programs to prevent homeowners from losing legislation that mitigates harm to children at their homes through mortgage foreclosure. In US Borders, and has opposed the inhumane conjunction with the Chicago Coalition for treatment for asylum seekers. the Homeless, Housing Action Illinois and the Housing Illinois Roundtable, LWVIL See the LWVIL Immigration position supported the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act of 2004 as well as an amendment to the Act in 2005. League supported the Rental Subsidy Support Meeting Basic Human Program legislation that passed in 2005. League also supported increased Needs appropriations for homelessness prevention as 1989; based on 1971-88 positions part of the "It Takes a Home to Raise a Child" LWVUS Position: campaign of the Chicago Coalition for the Support programs and policies to prevent or Homeless that the League endorsed in 1999. reduce poverty and to promote self- In addition to the “It Takes a Home to Raise a sufficiency for individuals and families Child” project, at that time the League also including: backed legislation to prevent foreclosures. League has worked with Housing Action Income Assistance: Support income Illinois in establishing affordable housing assistance programs, based on need, that action coalitions around the State. Presently provide decent, adequate standards for food, there are two such Coalitions, DuPage clothing and shelter. Housing Action Coalition and Kane County Support Services: Provide essential Housing Action Coalition. support services. Illinois Leagues have worked for an increased Housing Supply: Support policies to supply of low and moderate income housing provide a decent home and a suitable living through litigation, lobbying, participating on environment for every American family. various advisory commissions to monitor Community Development Block Grants, Transportation: Support for energy-efficient monitoring housing authorities and by and environmentally sound transportation working with zoning boards. Leagues have systems to afford better access to housing worked in coalitions to increase housing for 64

the homeless. (See LWVIL Land Use legislation to increase families’ options for position.) childcare. The League supports childcare subsidies to income eligible, but non-TANF LWVIL Action on Support Services: (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) In response to a movement in Congress to families. LWVIL has supported initiatives eliminate or severely scale back the federal which enhance the quality of child care, as legal services program, LWVIL joined the well as legislation to increase the supply of Illinois Committee to Save Legal Services in child care providers and to require state the summer of 1995. agencies to offer flexible work schedules in order to reduce employees' child care needs. LWVIL has monitored state planning for use Local Leagues have worked for an increased of federal block grants, including organizing supply of childcare by producing local statewide hearings. Leagues have provided directories, surveying their communities and support and local education on legislation working for after-school day care programs relating to access to public facilities and (see LWVIL Children’s Services position). transportation for the handicapped and published directories of facilities. LWVIL supported legislation increasing legal Early Intervention for remedies for battered spouses, and local Children at Risk Leagues have been involved in establishing 1994 and funding domestic violence shelters. LWVUS Position: LWVIL Action on Transportation: LWVIL Support policies and programs that promote supports improved mass transportation in the well-being, development and safety of all Illinois by calling for adequate funding and children. effective regional planning with such agencies as the Northeastern Illinois Planning Background: From 1991-1999, state and Commission and the Regional Transportation local Leagues ran an action campaign to Authority (RTA). LWVIL supports promote public understanding of the legislation providing up to twelve months of importance of early intervention for children transitional transportation assistance to at risk, encompassing national and state former TANF recipients no longer eligible positions on poverty, income assistance, due to increased income (see LWVIL Land access to health care, education and child Use position.). care, and improved services and funding of Illinois agencies serving children. LWVIL spearheaded the successful campaign to make Child Care early intervention for children at risk a 1988 LWVUS Issue for Emphasis for the 1994-96 based on positions reached from 1969-88 biennium, and the Illinois delegation to the LWVUS 1994 Convention was instrumental LWVUS Position: in the adoption of the LWVUS’ new Early Support programs and policies to expand the Intervention for Children at Risk position. supply of affordable, quality childcare for all who need it. The 1995 LWVIL Convention extended the

state League’s support for children at risk LWVIL Action: LWVIL joined Voices for issues by adopting the Breaking the Cycle of Illinois Children and others advocating for Violence in the Lives of Children action 65

focus. A statewide committee was formed Support violence prevention programs in all and worked throughout the biennium to communities and action to support: produce an educational and action guide for • public and private development and use by local Leagues. This action focus was coordination of programs that emphasize extended for the 1997-99 biennium. the primary prevention of violence active role of government and social • institutions in preventing violent behavior LWVIL action: The League has advocated • allocation of public monies in government for Start Early programs in early education, programs to prevent violence Healthy Families Illinois and health care coverage of uninsured children. LWVIL Action: (See LWVUS Early Intervention for Children at Risk position, At the Congressional level, the LWVIL urged this section). that the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Violent Youth Gun Control Crime Act of 1996, and Violent and Repeat 1990, amended in 1994, 1998 Juvenile Offender Act of 1997 include LWVUS Position: prevention and early intervention provisions Protect the health and safety of citizens as strategies against crime (see LWVIL through limiting the accessibility and Criminal Justice position). regulating the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons. Support regulation LWVIL participated in advocacy initiatives of of firearms for consumer safety. Voices for Illinois Children through Voices Leadership Committee, an effort to organize LWVIL Action: The LWVIL spearheaded action by Senatorial districts throughout the successful campaign to adopt a national Illinois. These initiatives include early gun control position on the floor of the 1990 childhood education, childcare, intervention LWVUS Convention. Illinois League for young children with developmental delays members have continued their lobbying or disabilities, home visiting programs for at- efforts to strengthen both national and state risk families, mental health supports, health laws. See LWVIL Gun Violence Prevention insurance and after school programs. position.

The League also worked in coalition with Urban Policy Action for Children, Illinois Caucus for 1979, revised 1989 Adolescent Health, Ounce of Prevention and LWVUS Position: Early Learning Illinois. Promote the economic health of cities and improve the quality of urban life. LWVIL continues to work with statewide policy organizations to expand budgetary LWVIL Action: Advocacy and action in all support for initiatives to meet the needs of of the areas of Social Policy and on federal children at risk and their families. and state fiscal issues, represent a significant (See LWVIL Children’s Services and Mental commitment to improve the quality of life in Health positions.) Illinois cities.

Violence Prevention 1994 LWVUS Position: 66

drop the Marital Law position because it was Death Penalty considered obsolete and had never been used 2006 on the state level. LWVUS Position: The League of Women Voters of the United States supports the abolition of the death Sentencing Policy penalty. 2012 LWVUS Position: Background: In 2003-2004, LWVIL The League of Women Voters of the United conducted a nation-wide campaign to bring a States believes alternatives to imprisonment concurrence with the Illinois position to the should be explored and utilized, taking into floor of the 2004 LWVUS Convention where consideration the circumstances and nature of it fell short of the 2/3 vote needed for the crime. The LWVUS opposes mandatory adoption. In 2006, LWVIL brought the issue minimum sentences for drug offenses. back to Convention where concurrence was adopted by a wide margin. Background: At convention 2012, delegates See LWVIL position, Abolition of the Death voted to adopt a Sentencing Policy position Penalty. by concurrence. The position is based on the Sentencing Policy of the LWV of the District Marital Law of Columbia. At the 2001 Convention, delegates voted to

LWVIL SOCIAL POLICY POSITIONS

group homes, small residential treatment and Children’s Services correctional facilities should be available. 1967, 1972, 1977, revised 1996 Transitional and aftercare programs are LWVIL Position: essential parts of the continuum of care. The League believes that the State should Regardless of where children are being play the leading role in meeting the needs of served, education is essential. children and their families. This responsibility applies across systems of care regardless of Shelter care and other services suited to their age or legal status of the children. needs should be available to children whose cases are pending. Detention should be Resources: The League supports a reserved for delinquent children who meet continuum of quality services that professional screening criteria and provided strengthens and preserves families and separately from adult programs. fosters healthy growth and development of children. The League supports a juvenile court system that provides opportunities for effective Family-focused, community-based systems protection, treatment and rehabilitation; of care that emphasize prevention and early meets the individual needs of children and intervention should have high priority. The their families; and protects the rights of all supply of affordable, quality child care should affected parties. The court's effectiveness be expanded, with priority given to those in depends on several factors: judicial greatest economic need. For children whose leadership, personnel with special training in needs cannot be met at home, foster homes, juvenile matters, support services that allow 67

judges to make informed decisions, probation following review by a statewide committee. It services responsive to the special needs of rewords the 1977 position, incorporates children, courtroom procedures that reduce recommendations of the Illinois Juvenile unnecessary delays, a wide range of Court Watching Project, and adds a statement available interventions, and an effective opposing the death penalty for children. citizen presence. The League opposes the

automatic transfer of children to the criminal court and believes that a juvenile court judge From its inception, the League worked on should determine whether a case is reform issues relating to maternal and infant considered in the juvenile court or the care, mothers’ pensions and child labor. criminal court. The League opposes the death penalty for offenses committed by 1963: LWVIL studied the structure and children. financing of Illinois welfare services to children and their families, including: Administration: The State should have the • the child in need of financial assistance; primary role in funding to ensure that quality • the child in need of protection; and services are equitably available to children • the child and the courts. and families throughout the state. In order to The timing enabled the League to take action protect funding and visibility, the child welfare agency should be separate from other human not only on Aid to Families with Dependent service agencies. The Governor's office Children, but to shape the modernization of should provide leadership to ensure that the Juvenile Court Act, the first laws on state agencies do the following: child abuse, the newly created Department • Communicate and cooperate with each of Children and Family Services, and to lay other to provide coordinated services, the groundwork for the Illinois Youth clear guidelines for responsibility and Commission to become part of a code information to the public about the department. availability of services; • Develop long range plans which include 1969: LWVIL studied day care. coordination of local service delivery, 1971 LWVIL board decided that it would be provide for citizen input and review, and more appropriate to take action on behalf of encourage local initiatives; the child in need of financial assistance under • Establish family-focused, community- the LWVUS income assistance position based systems of care; adopted that year. • Set and enforce program and personnel 1975: LWVIL began to study the level of standards consistent with national services of state agencies serving children. accreditation standards; 1977: The study resulted in a new position • Encourage the recruitment, retention and that pulled together a reaffirmation of state training of sufficient numbers of qualified staff at all levels; positions, concurrence with LWV of Cook • Ensure that agencies are directed and County positions, and new consensus on staffed by qualified personnel regardless administration. of political affiliation; and 1979: LWVIL received a grant to develop a • Evaluate programs and search for new statewide juvenile court watching project. methods to improve services. LWVIL Action Background The League joined as an amicus in Artist M The current position was approved at Interim (addressing the rights of children under the Council in 1996 and ratified by local Leagues Federal Adoption Assistance and Child

Welfare Act of 1980) and White/Lawrence v Offender Registration Act. Continued to People (challenging a law having a oppose automatic transfer. disproportionate effect on minority youth). • Encouraged the development of Monitored the B H v McDonald consent alternatives to detention; opposed decree (a class action suit to improve services detention of non-delinquent children; to children under the care of DCFS). opposed detention of juveniles in adult Opposed an attempt to amend the Illinois facilities; and participated in efforts to Constitution in a way that would weaken laws revise the County Juvenile Detention that protect children. Standards. 2019 KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK of the Annie E. • Advocated for the creation and expansion Casey Foundation information ia followed of Redeploy Illinois, a program that closely by the LWVIL enables counties to develop community-

based sanctions and services for juvenile Juvenile Justice: offenders who would otherwise be The League incarcerated. • Celebrated the 1999 centennial • Supported the Interstate Compact for celebration of the juvenile court. Julia Juveniles, a measure to regulate the Lathrop, second president of the LWVIL, movement of juvenile offenders received was one of its founders. from, or sent to, other states. • Spearheaded legislation authorizing • Acted to separate the Juvenile Division Court Appointed Special Advocates from the Department of Corrections. (CASA) to advocate in court on behalf of Joined with others on the Governor's the child. Transition Team to develop • Promoted family preservation by recommendations for the Department of encouraging an array of prevention and Juvenile Justice. Attempted to provide intervention services that strengthen juvenile offenders with protections and families rather than rely on foster and benefits available to non-offenders. residential care.

· Urged Congress to reauthorize and fund The League is a member of the Juvenile the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Reentry Workgroup and the Detention Prevention Act. Standards Task Force Steering Committee. • Took an active role in rewriting the The League monitors meetings of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987. A major Juvenile Justice Commission. effort to refine the Juvenile Justice

Reform Provisions was followed by Before 2009, the League featuring state Senator Barack Obama at • Opposed an attempt to amend the the LWVIL legislative briefing in 1998. Illinois Constitution in a way that • Strengthened the rights of minors by would weaken laws that protect working to raise the age of original children. juvenile court jurisdiction, protect the • confidentiality of records and require Celebrated the 1999 centennial legal counsel during interrogation by law celebration of the juvenile court. Julia enforcement. Lathrop, second president of the • Supported measures that call for an LWVIL, was one of its founders. individual review by the juvenile court • Spearheaded legislation authorizing before transferring a case to the criminal Court Appointed Special Advocates court or applying provisions of the Sex (CASA) to advocate in court on behalf 69

th of the child. The first CASA program • Attended the 100 birthday celebration of established in Illinois, CASA of Cook the Institute for Juvenile Research, the County, began in 1986. first child guidance clinic in the country. • Took an active role in rewriting the The IJR grew out of the leadership of Julia Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Lathrop, second president of the LWVIL • Strengthened the rights of minors by and co-founder of the Juvenile Court Act. working to raise the age of original • Supported SB 2725 [PA 95-1031], a juvenile court jurisdiction, protect the measure that treats 17 year olds as confidentiality of records and require misdemeanants instead of felons. legal counsel during interrogation by • Supported SB 1013 [PA 95-1050] making law enforcement. Redeploy Illinois a permanent program. • Supported measures that call for an • Sent written testimony to the committee on individual review by the juvenile SB 1725 opposing the setting of six- court before transferring a case to month maximum terms for parole. SB the criminal court or applying 1725 [PA96-0853]. was amended in GA provisions of the Sex Offender and, following the acceptance of an Registration Act. Continued to amendatory veto, was adopted. oppose automatic transfer. • Encouraged the development of 2011-2013 alternatives to detention; opposed A TFA was sent, supporting HB 2404 (PA detention of non-delinquent children; 98-0061) Youths under 18 who commit non- opposed detention of juveniles in adult violent felonies will be tried in juvenile court facilities; and participated in efforts to not adult court. revise the County Juvenile Detention Standards. 2013-2015 • Advocated for the creation (in 2004) The LWVIL is one of approximately 200 and subsequent expansion of organizations making up the membership of Redeploy Illinois, a program that The Responsible Budget Coalition which is enables counties to develop "concerned with the state budget and tax community-based sanctions and issues. It includes organizations that serve services for juvenile offenders who children, families, veterans, seniors and would otherwise be incarcerated. people with disabilities, • Acted to separate the Juvenile education groups, early learning, K-12 and Division from the Department of higher education, labor unions, faith based Corrections and create the and civic organizations and many others". Department of Juvenile Justice in 2006. LWVIL has worked throughout the state with legislative district visits as well as 2009-2011 participating in rallies at State offices in Springfield and Chicago especially. There • LWVIL testified in support of retaining the independence of the Department of also has been considerable media coverage Juvenile Justice in response to the throughout the State. We have continued Governor’s executive order calling for a advocating with RBC for the three principles study of a merger between the DJJ and the of RBC re the state's budget: Department of Children and Family 1. adequate revenue to support state priorities Services. and make smart investments 70

2. no more cuts to vital programs and services be detained in a detention facility unless local 3. Fairness in raising revenue and making any youth service provider is unable to accept the cuts cause by failure to raise adequate child. PA99-0268 ends the incarceration of revenue. children for misdemeanors and for status offences, and requires set terms for aftercare (parole) that cannot be longer than adult parole The needs of many individuals and families terms. here in Illinois and around the Country continues to be immense. Housing that is 2015-17 These bills, passed in the balance of affordable, child care help, income assistance the 99th General Assembly and supported by and employment opportunities along with the League accomplished these things: help in domestic violence issues and juveniles will now not be imprisoned for disability issues as well as available public crimes that are not felonies or for certain non- transportation are among the greatest violent felonies; mandatory probation terms advocacy efforts of the League. With the have been reduced [HB6291 (PA99-0879)]; Illinois budget/fiscal problems and the legal representation is required for children passing of the 2016 budget by the State up to age 15 during interrogation in murder legislature being incomplete, we have seen and sex offenses, videotaping of juvenile unusually difficult situations for the interrogations has been expanded, and a providers around the State including needing modified version of the Miranda warning is to reduce the services and releasing workers required for children [SB2370 (PA 99-0882)]; from their jobs even as the need rises. more expungement opportunities are available [HB6328 (PA 99-0881)]; the Mental Health Juvenile Justice: Redeploy Illinois’ budget Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task was doubled in FY 2015 due to its success in Force is created and its report to the diverting offenders from incarceration. Two Governor and General Assembly is due juvenile prisons were closed in 2013; six within a year of its first meeting. The task remain open. The Illinois Supreme Court force is to identify existing diversion ruled in March, 2014, that inmates serving programs, additional funding sources, the mandatory life sentences for murders possible barriers to the implementation of committed as juveniles will receive new evidence-based diversion models and to sentencing hearings, giving about 80 inmates suggest solutions so that youth are diverted the opportunity for reduced sentences or even from the juvenile justice system into freedom. appropriate health care settings [SB0320 (PA99-0894)]. PA 98-0061(HB2404) provides that youths under 18 who commit non-violent felonies Other Important legislation: eliminates will now be tried in juvenile court. A TFA mandatory natural life sentences for youth was sent supporting the bill. PA 98-0558 under 18 at the time of the offense [HB2471 expands juvenile justice system aftercare pilot (PA99-0069)]; places limitations on program, promoting a more rehabilitative expulsions, disciplinary removals to approach to juvenile justice reentry.PA99- alternative schools, and out-of-school ends automatic transfer to adult court for 0258 suspensions so that, with the use of other children under 15 and expands the discretion of juvenile court judges to make the transfer decision behavioral and disciplinary interventions, for children ages 16 and 17. Automatic transfer children can continue their education [Senate for some children 16 and 17 still is in place. Bill 100 (PA99-0456)]. PA99-0254 provides that a child under 13 cannot 71

In October of 2016, the Illinois Supreme Persuading the General Assembly to recognize Court banned the shackling of juveniles emerging adults (18-25) as a special group during court proceedings unless the court between juvenile and adult has been difficult finds reason to do so in a separate hearing even though research indicates that the juvenile brain is still maturing in the teen years and The League supported these reform bills reasoning and judgment are developing well into passed during the 100th General Assembly the early to mid 20s. and signed by the Governor: An encouraging development has been the HB2987 (PA100-0141) (ensures that Illinois creation in August, 2017, of the first restorative youth who are or were homeless, in foster justice court, which deals with non-violent care, or court-involved have a chance to get offenders, aged 18-26, in the Chicago the jobs and internships they are qualified for neighborhood of North Lawndale. when a State agency has a job opening for an intern or student worker) LWVIL successfully advocated for this legislation HB3165 (PA100-0157) (requires that training which was enacted during the balance of the 100th General Assembly of juvenile personnel include restorative • restores parole justice courses) PA100-1182 opportunities for those serving long HB3817 (PA100-0285) (expands automatic sentences and convicted when under age expungement and strengthens confidentiality of 20. Illinois now will be allowed to of juvenile records) grant discretionary parole for the first HB3903 (PA100-0204) (does not allow a time since the practice was abolished in place of detention or criminal processing on 1978. school grounds) LWVIL supported with TFA and/or witness slips So far, about 35 of 80 Illinois inmates who these bills which failed to pass in the 100th received mandatory life-without-parole General Assembly: sentences for crimes committed as juveniles • SB1265 would have required legal have been resentenced since the Supreme counsel for juveniles under the age of 18 Court ruled that punishment unconstitutional. throughout custodial interrogation. The A small number have been released. Two law now covers only juveniles under the inmates received natural life sentences in new age of 15. hearings, but one of these had his punishment • HB3142 would have prohibited public reduced to 60 years on appeal. colleges and universities from asking about or considering a record during the 2017-2019 admission process. The Illinois Supreme Court in April, 2019, • HB4208 would have created an optional determined that a sentence over 40 years grant program for school districts that violates the 8th Amendment to the U.S. wished to reallocate funding for school- Constitution for a youth under the age of 18 based law enforcement personnel when it is imposed without consideration of the toward restorative justice programs and defendant’s “youth and attendant related personnel such as school characteristics.” The decision could affect more psychologists and social workers. (The than 200 juveniles who are currently serving such Governor amended the bill. The GA did sentences. not accept the amendment or override it.)

• HB4581 would have established a multi- Pretrial Release The League supports a bail year approach to raise the age of Juvenile bond system to ensure court appearances, Court for misdemeanors. but opposes a system of bondsmen who provide bail monies for fee. Financial ability The League supported these bills during the should not be a criterion for pretrial release. 101st General Assembly that failed to pass: Thorough evaluation and investigation should precede the use of release on recognizance • HB1458 would have expanded (R.O.R.). restorative approaches to justice.

• HB1468 would have raised the minimum Courtroom Procedures The League age for detention from 10 to 13. supports improvements in courtroom • SB239 would have extended the age of procedures that serve to minimize confusion juvenile court from 18 to 21. and delay and increase fairness and efficiency. Trials should be prompt, with a LWVIL opposed these bills during the 100th limit on the time the accused can be held in General Assembly that failed to pass: jail prior to trial. Sufficient numbers of well- • SB2339 would have presumed detention paid and well-trained judges, assistant state's for juveniles charged with possession of a attorneys, public defenders and other court stolen motor vehicle or vehicular personnel are essential. Uniform standards hijacking. should be used for appointing public defenders. • SB2581 would have increased the time a

minor spends in temporary custody from Sentencing Laws and Procedures 40 to 48 hours and allows video • The League believes that judges should detention hearings. The bill would likely retain the discretion to choose between have increased the number of children in imprisonment and probation for most detention. offenses and opposes the proliferation of non probationable offenses. The Cook County Board of Commissioners • The League believes that there should be adopted an ordinance to prohibit the detention strict penalties and enforcement for all of children under the age of 13. It is to be hoped crimes committed with a handgun or an that other counties will see the wisdom of assault weapon (see LWVIL Gun Violence forbidding the detention of young children. Prevention position. • The League supports reduction in time (See LWVIL Mental Health position and served as an incentive for good conduct by LWVIL Income Assistance positions as well inmates. Such credits should be as LWVUS Social Policy - Child Care and incorporated into the sentencing structure and should not be revoked without due Early Intervention for Children at Risk process. positions.) • The League believes that a body, free from political influence, should make Criminal Justice recommendations that promote certainty and fairness in sentencing, develop 1972, 1973, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1989, guidelines that provide greater uniformity revised 1995 and monitor the fiscal impact and effect on prison populations. LWVIL Position:

The League has positions on the following Alternatives to Incarceration The League aspects of criminal justice. supports the expansion of prevention and treatment programs to ease the burden 73

on the criminal justice system The League supports the concept of pretrial diversion. Citizen Involvement The criminal justice The League supports the increased use of a system should make use of professionally range of intermediate sanctions in the directed volunteers who have been carefully community and the development of screening screened and trained. The League supports and supervision standards to ensure their citizen involvement in monitoring court appropriate use. The community must be proceedings and assessing the needs for educated regarding these alternatives. improved court facilities. An independent citizen's committee should monitor Illinois The League supports a statewide probation correctional facilities. system. Probation, the underlying element of most alternatives, must be professionally Funding The League believes that the staffed and removed from political influence. criminal justice system must be adequately Probation officers should be required to meet funded in order to carry out its goals. uniform professional standards and receive pre-service and in-service training. The Funding of specialized programs for number of probation officers should be offenders, such as mental health services, adequate to make comprehensive programs for female offenders and substance investigative reports to the court, supervise abuse treatment, is essential. categorized, manageable caseloads and provide social services. The League supports funding to guarantee humane prison conditions and to provide Jail Standards The League supports the programs and services that offer the development and enforcement of standards opportunity for self-improvement. for local jails and detention facilities. The The League believes that state funds should Illinois Department of Corrections is an emphasize community sanctions over the appropriate agency to carry out this function. construction of more prisons.

Illinois Department of Corrections Background: • The League supports correctional services Delegates to the 1995 LWVIL Convention that conform to national professional adopted by concurrence a revised position standards. following a review by a statewide committee. • The League believes that offenders are The revision pulled together the following entitled to mail, telephone calls, visits from positions: relatives, extended family visits, furloughs, the opportunity to voice grievances, and • Bail bond, pretrial release and victimless access to information in their case records. crimes (1972) • Education and job training for inmates • Probation and parole; inmate rights and should be provided in conjunction with the services (1973) boards of education, private industry and • Handgun (1976) and Assault Weapons unions. (1989) Control • The League supports pre-release planning • Improved courtroom procedures based on to bridge the gap between prison and the recommendations of the Illinois Court community. Watching Project after monitoring some • The League supports mandatory 82,000 criminal court proceedings (1979) supervised release and the provision of Sentencing laws (1982) community services to offenders, • particularly when first released. Technical • Alternatives to incarceration and state violations of mandatory supervised release funding role (1983) need to be carefully defined and uniformly reported. 74

LWVIL Action: • HB 5771(PA 97-1113) expands the Prior to June 2009: The League participated eligibility of ex-offenders to receive in the following Governor’s Task Forces: certificates of good conduct Prison Crowding; Detention Standards; (certifying rehabilitation) which Mentally Retarded/Mentally Ill Offenders; enhance their prospects for and Crime and Corrections. The League employment. opposed an amendment to the Illinois • HB 3061(PA 98-0142) allows more Constitution that limits the right to bail. non-violent felonies to be sealed, four years after sentence is completed. 2009-2011 • HB 1046 (PA 98-0139) Those leaving LWVIL Supported: prison are allowed to begin the • efforts to revise criminal laws and to establish process of enrolling in Medicaid in a the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory timely fashion to ensure continuity of Council [PA 96-711] medical and behavioral health care The League continued to advocate for: upon release. community supervision and treatment of non- • SB 1872 (PA 98-0538) eliminates the violent offenders; the creation of drug schools felony enhancement for prostitution. and mental health courts; the creation of a system of probation with state standards and The 2013 Issues Briefing included a criminal funding; the establishment of an array of justice workshop, featuring panelists from intermediate sanctions for probation violators; the John Howard Association, the Safer evidence based practices; legislation to Foundation, and Appleseed Fund for Justice. prohibit shackling inmates when giving birth; Topics covered diversion programs, the specialized services that meet the needs of closing of the Tamms (Supermax) Cor- offenders who are mothers, substance abusers rectional Center on January 4 and the possible or mentally ill; educational and vocational closing of Dwight Correctional Center (which programs to reduce recidivism; and the was closed in March), the restoration of removal of barriers to employment for persons sentencing credits, and issues facing people with criminal records. with criminal records reentering society.

LWVIL opposed the expansion of 2013-2015 mandatory prison sentences and the attempts Criminal Justice reform has become a to establish chain gangs bipartisan issue: in 2014, the General Assembly created a Joint Criminal Justice 2011-2013 Reform Committee and Governor Rauner TFAs were sent, supporting the following created a Criminal Justice Reform legislation which became law: Commission. • SB 2621 (PA 97-0697) permits inmates to earn credits toward release In 2013, TFAs were sent, supporting: through good conduct, completing HB3061 (PA 98-0142) allows more non- educational and vocational programs. violent felonies to be sealed; HB 1046 (PA • SB 3349 (PA 97-1118) diverts first 98-0139) allows those leaving prison to begin time felony offenders from the process of enrolling in Medicaid to ensure incarceration and allows the dismissal coverage once released; SB 1872 (PA 98- of felony charges upon the successful 0538) eliminates the felony enhancement for completion of a diversion program. prostitution.

In 2014, the League signed onto fact sheets worn cameras and implements policies to end stop and filed witness slips in support of and frisk discriminatory practices and much more. HB5701 (PA 98-0774) “Bans the Box” so that a job applicant is not required to reveal a Collaborative Activity: criminal record or criminal history until a job These organizations, through their advocacy interview or employment has been offered; efforts, informative conferences, other and HB2378 (PA 98-1009) provides for the gatherings, and communications have been sealing of certain misdemeanor offenses essential partners: Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Other important legislation that was Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice, Chicago signed into law: PA 98-0194–-expands the Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Jobs Medicaid program in Illinois, giving many in Council, the Community Renewal Society, the criminal justice system access to medical Heartland Alliance, the Illinois Justice and behavioral healthcare; PA 98-0165–grants Project, the John Howard Association, tax credits to employers hiring qualified ex- Juvenile Justice Initiative, Northwestern Law, offenders; PA 98-0399 expunges eligible the Safer Foundation, the Sargent Shriver class 3 and 4 felony convictions for veterans, National Center on Poverty Law, and Uptown honorably discharged; Peoples Law Center. PA 98-0547 expands the recording of homicide interrogations to more violent 2015-17 felonies; PA 98-0164) expands first-offender pre-conviction probation with charges These bills, passed in the balance of the expunged upon successful completion; PA98- 99th General Assembly and supported by 1082 improves guardianship provisions so the League, expanded employment that incarcerated parents’ rights are protected opportunities for returning citizens: and observed. In 2015, the League submitted witness slips HB4360 (PA99-0667), HB4515 (PA99- for: HB3149 (PA99-0378) which allows 0872), HB5973 (PA99-0876), SB42 (PA99- people who earn a vocational certification, 0886), and SB3005 (PA99-0884). GED, HS Diploma or some other degree to petition to have their eligible convictions The Final Report of the Illinois State sealed prior to the statutorily required 4 year Commission on Criminal Justice and waiting period; HB3475 (PA99-0381) Sentencing Report was released in January, expanding the eligibility for Certificates of 2017, but the General Assembly still has not Good Conduct to include those who have addressed a number of important committed non-sex-related forcible felonies. recommendations. Overcrowding in prisons Other important legislation that was will not significantly be reduced until signed into law: PA99-0425 creates a pilot sentences for more serious crime are program in Cook County to do drug analysis shortened. The League supported these in the field as is done in other Illinois reform bills passed during the 100th General counties. This avoids unwarranted Assembly and signed by the Governor: incarceration of innocent people. PA99-0109 allows an affirmative defense to a HB0375 (PA100-0247) (requires probation charge of prostitution.PA99-0352 is an officers to undergo Crisis Intervention Team omnibus police reform bill which could become a training) national model for law enforcement reform. (requires immediate Statewide guidelines are created for police body- HB0514 (PA100-0282) sealing of a record of arrest or charge if result is acquittal or dismissal) 76

HB0698 (PA100-0283) (creates the Prisoner disadvantaged communities. The Entrepreneur Education Program to teach recommendations are applicable state-wide. business skills and enable successful reentry into society) At the 2017 convention, LWVIL voted to HB2373 (PA100-0284) (expands record update the criminal justice position which sealing eligibility) was last revised in 1995. HB2738 (PA100-0030) (allows video visitation in prisons to enable those in prison 2017-2019 to maintain relationships with loved ones) In October, 2017, the League signed on in HB3712 (PA100-0198) (helps men and support of a letter from the Cook County Public women in prison to get access to tablets that Defender to the members of the Illinois Supreme will be used expressly to educate, hone skills, Court Rules Committee to adopt a new rule to and video visit loved ones) eliminate wealth-based pretrial detention. SB1688 (PA100-0286) (improves occupational licensing opportunities by Issues Briefing (IB) and Pre-Convention (PC) creating a licensing process that looks at sessions presented: license applicants’ rehabilitation along with criminal history • Criminal Justice: Reforms Accomplished SB1781 (PA100-0287) (extends and Reforms Still Needed featured a expungement or sealing fee waiver pilot state senator, a State’s Attorney, an program) advocate opposing cash bail, and an advocate for people with records The League supported this reform bill passed returning to society. (2018 IB Plenary) during the 100th General Assembly which still • Community policing and related issues awaits the Governor’s signature: featured two chiefs of police. (2019 IB breakout session) • HB303 (reforms civil asset forfeiture law in Criminal Justice Reform: The Way order to protect innocent parties and to Forward -- Research, Legislation, and featured a researcher require law enforcement to report assets League Advocacy, from Loyola University, Chicago, and an seized) advocate from ALCU of Illinois. (2019 PC

workshop) The LWVIL and the Chicago League have issued by The Children endorsed a report The group, CJ Advocates continues to inform and Family Justice Center at the LWVIL of important legislation. This group and Northwestern University Pritzker School of others sponsor gatherings to explain the various Law entitled Building a Safe Chicago: criminal justice reform issues. Calling for a Comprehensive Plan. The Report urges leadership to reject reactionary The Criminal Justice Position Update Committee and unproven crime fighting policies and will be presenting consensus materials for instead attack the root causes of violence with approval to the Board in early 2020 and, once a comprehensive crime prevention plan that approved, these will be furnished to local will put public health first, reduce illegal Leagues so that local League study committees handgun availability, tailor punishment to the can begin work toward consensus meetings in crime, ensure police effectiveness, and invest early 2021. to achieve equity in economically-

LWVIL signed on to a White Paper distributed by sentence by completing rehabilitative the Illinois Justice Project in support of legislation programming; calling for the reclassification of simple • PA101-0441 provides civics education for possession of a personal use quantity of a those returning from IDOC to society; controlled substance from a felony to a Class A • PA101-0442 allows voting in jail and Misdemeanor. This was recommended by the gives voting information to returning Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and citizens; Sentencing Reform. The bill, however, failed to • PA101-0471 and PA101-0480 direct pass out of the House. judges to weigh the impact of incarceration on dependent children and With the passage of a bill legalizing marijuana, provide other protections for these over 315,000 Illinois residents (770,000 cases) children are eligible now to have their cases expunged. In addition, the Act creates the Restore, Reinvest, See also LWVIL Gun Violence Prevention Renew program, which will direct investments to position which became a separate position in the communities most negatively impacted by 1989; LWVIL Death Penalty Abolition the war on drugs and will fund substance abuse position, which was separated in 2005; treatment and prevention and mental health LWVIL Mental Health; LWVIL State care. Election Laws position for action on securing

voting rights for detainees; and LWVUS LWVIL successfully advocated for this legislation Social Policy positions.) which was enacted during the balance of the 100th General Assembly and during the 101st General Assembly • PA100-0512 reforms Civil Asset Death Penalty Abolition Forfeiture Law to protect innocent LWVIL Position - 2001 parties and to require law enforcement LWVUS Concurrence - 2006 to report assets seized; LWVIL Position: • PA100-0947 provides a lactation room in The League supports abolition of the death courthouses; penalty in Illinois because it does not function • PA100-0999 expands alternatives to as an appropriate punishment for the incarceration; following reasons: • PA100-1025 provides deflection from • In practice, the death penalty is unfair, it arrest for substance abusers; targets the poor and other vulnerable • PA101-0020 bars state and local people— people who are mentally ill, governments from contracting with mentally retarded, brain-damaged, and private prison companies to run any kind members of an ethnic or racial minority of detention center in Illinois; group. The death penalty is not a deterrent. • PA1010-0086 eliminates the $5 medical • States without the death penalty—Iowa, co-pay in IDOC; Wisconsin, Michigan—have crime rates • assists people with records PA101-0176 equal to or less than that of Illinois. in obtaining health care employment; • The nations with which we most identify— • PA101-0235 repeals the provision that the nations of the European Union and IDOC can seek reimbursement from Canada, for example—have abolished the those incarcerated for their expenses; death penalty and consider it a violation of • PA101-0440 enables people in prison for human rights. serious offenses to earn time off of their • The death penalty does not serve the interests of family members of victims since 78

the necessary and lengthy appeals process postpones the realization of justice and so, Background can retard the healing process. In 2001, LWVIL Convention delegates • An error cannot be corrected if the death adopted the Evanston League’s position penalty is carried out on an innocent supporting abolition of the death penalty by person. concurrence. • The death penalty is extremely expensive, due to the so-called precautions and extra measures taken to insure that only In 2003-2004, LWVIL conducted a nation- appropriate defendants receive the death wide campaign to bring a death penalty penalty. Adding to the expense is the concurrence to the floor of the 2004 LWVUS necessity for re-sentencing and retrials due convention. Although The effort fell short of to the extensive error-rate – nearly 50% of the 2/3 vote needed for adoption, LWVIL was all cases in Illinois. Resources expended able to bring the issue back to the 2006 for the death penalty could be better used convention where the concurrence was for positive programs that reduce crime and adopted by a wide margin. It is now a serve the victims of crime. LWVUS position. Reform has been tried and has not worked. • In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the death penalty statutes LWVIL Action of 40 states. The Court held that extensive 2001: LWVIL Supported legislation to jury discretion over death sentences abolish the death penalty and opposed an anti- resulted in arbitrary sentencing and terrorism bill containing a provision therefore resulted in “cruel and unusual” expanding the death penalty to include punishment. However, in 1976, after murder committed in the course of terrorism. various states enacted reforms that limited discretion, the Supreme Court held that the 2002: LWVIL and local Leagues wrote the death penalty was constitutional. Governor urging commutation of all death penalty sentences to life sentences without Illinois’ statute was a result of extensive parole. Public education activities across the reforms; and yet, the Governor’s Commission on Capital Punishment in April of 2002 state included identified 85 reforms that were needed to programs on the death penalty, sponsorship of correct the system. Even though in 2003 a Death Sentence 2002 at DePaul University few significant reforms passed, the vast and participation in the National Coalition to majority of the Commission’s Abolish the Death Penalty Conference in recommendations were not addressed. Chicago in October. Moreover, the Governor’s Commission recognized that even if every reform were 2003: An abolition bill was voted out of the adopted, the system would still not be error- House Judiciary committee following local free: “The Commission was unanimous in League action. LWVIL thanked Governor the belief that no system, given human Blagojevich for extending Governor Ryan’s nature and frailties, could ever be devised or constructed that would work perfectly and moratorium and urged him to support guarantee absolutely that no innocent person abolition. LWVIL responded to the General is ever again sentenced to death.” (Report of Assembly’s reform efforts stating that reform the Commission on Capital Punishment, could not be foolproof and legislation should Conclusion, pg. 207.) apply to the entire criminal justice system.

2005: Responded to the “no doubt” pass during either the 2010 Veto Session or legislation that the determination of the spring 2011 session. A TFA explaining guilt/innocence is only one of the many the strategy was included in the February problems with the death penalty and does not Issues Briefing packets and sent to grassroots repair the broken system. advocates and local League presidents.

2007: In testimony before the Capital Again in March, the League cosponsored the Punishment Reform Study Committee Abolition Lobby Day. Local Leagues and LWVIL encouraged going beyond analysis of members built extensive support for abolition reform effectiveness and recommending by visiting targeted legislators, writing abolition to the General Assembly. postcards and letters and calling their legislators. Local Leagues also helped Evidence that the death penalty was falling organize ICADP’s two speaking tours in the out of favor was becoming evident as the fall, featuring death row exonerees and number of death sentences handed down murder victims' family members. The dwindled and capital defendants were either abolition bill was not called for a vote during found not guilty or their charges reduced the Veto Session. before they came to trial. 2011: VICTORY! 2008: No death sentences were handed down During the lame duck session, the House in Cook County, and only three persons were approved the measure on House on January sentenced to death elsewhere in the state. The 6th and the Senate approved on January 11th. Assembly of the Illinois State Bar On March 9, Governor Quinn signed the Association (ISBA) voted to make abolition legislation, and he commuted the sentences of the official policy of the 35,000 member State the fifteen men on death row to life without Bar, bringing its lobbyists to the abolition parole. effort. Capital punishment was officially abolished LWVIL submitted testimony to the in Illinois on July 1, 2011. September House Judiciary II Committee hearings. Since that time, legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly to restore 2009: LWVIL members asked legislators to the death penalty in Illinois. LWVIL co-sponsor the abolition bill, sponsored by monitors this legislation and remains ready to Karen Yarbourgh with 19 co-sponsors. It was take action if any such proposal begins to voted out of committee and later re-referred gain support. to the Rules Committee. Also that year, two former death row inmates became the nineteen and twentieth men to be exonerated Gun Violence Prevention from death row in Illinois. Illinois Assault Weapons Control - 1989 The Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death LWVUS Gun Control - 1990 Penalty (ICADP) partners developed a 1-3 year abolition strategy. Handgun Control 1976 2010: ICADP asked for the League’s help to LWVIL Position: contact legislators in targeted districts and To curb the proliferation of the private ownership build quiet support so an abolition bill might of handguns and their irresponsible use, the

League supports a ban on the further manufacture, weapons present a clear and unequivocal sale, transportation and importation of handguns danger to public safety. Therefore, the and their parts. League believes that it is essential to restrict or prohibit the possession and sale, • The League supports restrictive regulation of all manufacture, importation and handguns and ammunition, enforcement of transportation of semi-automatic assault existing regulations and strict penalties for type weapons for private ownership. crimes committed with a handgun. Additionally, the sale of ammunition for • The League favors federal legislation governing these weapons should be restricted or the use of handguns, but will support legislation prohibited. at all levels of government meeting League • The League favors restrictive legislation at criteria. The League will not support state or both the state and federal levels. federal legislation for specific areas only, such as metropolitan or high crime areas. Background: • To ensure that handgun owners assume The LWVIL position on handgun control complete responsibility for their handguns, the was reached in 1976 after a statewide study. League supports registration of the handgun The assault weapons control position was itself so that it can be traced to its owner. There adopted by concurrence at the 1989 LWVIL should be comprehensive licensing procedures, with gun safety education, fingerprinting and Convention. The LWVIL led the successful photographs, plus a verification of the effort to adopt a national gun control applicant's qualifications and a permit system position at the 1990 LWVUS Convention. that restricts handgun ownership. Sufficient fees should be paid by handgun owners to cover LWVIL is an active coalition partner with the administrative costs. Ideally, local or state Illinois Campaign Against Handgun Violence governments should enforce federal standards. and maintains ties with the Brady Campaign. • The League supports handgun safety education only if it is required for owners as part of the LWVIL Action: licensing procedure, does not promote or glorify 2000: League had an active presence at the handgun usage or ownership, and is used to Chicago Million Mom March. convey the dangers of handgun misuse and

ownership. • The League supports regulation of handgun 2004: LWVIL was represented at the Illinois dealers. All dealers selling handguns must be Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) carefully regulated to assure that they are Midwest Action Conference and cosponsored legitimate dealers and not merely persons the ICHV Rally Against Handgun Violence. wishing to have access to interstate shipments. The League recommends high fees, annual 2004-05: LWVIL supported legislation: renewal of licenses and a thorough investigation • banning assault weapons and .50 caliber of dealers and their places of business. The sniper rifles and ammunition; League supports the need for further controls or • requiring those selling firearms in Illinois to elimination of mail order sales and interstate be licensed; shipments. requiring mandatory trigger locks and • • requiring background checks on gun sales at Assault Weapons Control Illinois gun shows. 1989 LWVIL Position: 2006 • The League advocates restricting access to automatic and semi-automatic assault type weapons by private individuals. These 81

*LWVIL engaged in a "Letters to the Editor" • A concealed carry bill passed the state project advocating the passage of common legislature despite extensive LWVIL sense gun laws. members’ efforts to persuade Governor • LWVIL initiated a successful publicity Quinn to sign it. campaign for the Cook County LWV on the 2010-2011 November advisory referendum to ban • Supreme Court handed down its decision in assault weapons; the vote was 86% in favor. McDonald v Chicago in June, striking down • The LWVUS supported extension of the Chicago’s long-standing handgun ban. Assault Weapons Ban which was allowed to • LWVIL supported House bills requiring sunset in 2004. universal background checks for all gun • The League unsuccessfully opposed the transactions and a ban of military-style Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms weapons and ammunition. Neither came to Act (Immunity Bill). a vote. 2007 • LWVIL opposed a House bill allowing • LWVIL received an ICPGV mini-grant to extension of concealed-carry rights. The pursue meaningful gun violence reform in bill did not come up for a vote. Illinois. With many relevant bills in the • LWVIL and ICHV fought to defeat a new state legislature, ICPGV identified Concealed-Carry Weapons bill (HB 148) "Legislators of Focus" whom local League which would further extend gun owners' • members targeted with in-district lobbying rights to carry concealed loaded guns in sessions on gun violence prevention and public places. LWVIL sent out several TFAs to the local League’s general TFAs on and ICHV lobbied extensively membership. against the bill, which failed. • Gun issues questions were included in Legislative Interview questions used by 2013 Leagues throughout the state. Many Times for Action (TFAs) were sent to • LWVIL coordinated a Letter to the Editor League members throughout the spring project advocating passage of common session. Following the 7th Circuit Court of sense gun laws. Appeals decision to strike down Illinois' • LWVUS supported extension of the Assault Concealed Carry-Weapons (CCW) Weapons ban that was allowed to sunset in ban declaring it to be unconstitutional, our 2004. coalition, ICHV, planned an anti- gun Advocacy & Rally Day in Springfield. 2009 Many LWVIL members throughout the state • “Legislators of Focus” targeted by LCAV attended; Gov. Quinn and many elected received in-district lobbying visits with officials and victims' families local League members from Elmhurst, Glen spoke. . LWVIL distributed many copies of Ellyn, Homewood/Flossmoor, Naperville "Making Your Voice Heard" to other and Wheaton coalition members in Springfield. • A bill that would have addressed the loophole allowing private sales of Individual states can determine their own concealable guns without background additions to CCW. ICHV has pursued several checks failed in the House when 5 different restrictions where weapons may be representatives reneged on their promise to carried. Although the coalition is very vote yes. disappointed Illinois was forced to allow CCW, some common sense gun laws have

been adopted: universal background checks of Protection and the Gun Dealer Licensing on all gun sales and lost/stolen firearms must Act. Both bills passed and were signed into be reported to law enforcement within 72 law. The League opposed a Resolution to hours. Arm Teachers and led the statewide Coalition 2014 to defeat the Resolution. No new bills adopted except for minor language changes. The League supports the Fix the Foid [Firearms Owners’ Identification Card] to 2015 strengthen restrictions on applications for a Currently, ICHV is spearheading efforts to FOID. persuade municipal officials, local law enforcement and faith leaders from across Illinois to support a new state law that would Immigration require the licensing of gun dealers. At 2007 present there is not a state law, only a federal LWVIL Position: licensing law monitored by Alcohol, Tobacco The League of Women Voters of Illinois & Firearms (ATF) which is checked believes: approximately every 10 years. Since there are • That the State of Illinois should promote many difficulties in pursuing the above local community efforts to provide course of action, LWVIL is planning to orientation and counseling services for involve local Leagues through the use of immigrants regardless of documentation TFAs. status. The State of Illinois should support funding efforts for these services by 2015-17 LWVIL continues to be a member of encouraging federal funding and by the use Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence of funds from the state and local (ICHV). The coalition is composed of many governments as well as from the private sector. anti-gun violence groups, agencies, and religious organizations. • That the State of Illinois should promote For the past two years, the League has been and fund educational programs and working with the Illinois Council Against materials that seek to inform all workers, Handgun Violence to advocate for a state law including documented and undocumented that would require the licensing of gun immigrants, of their rights in the workplace. dealers. At present there is not a state law, only a federal licensing law monitored by • That the State of Illinois should provide Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) which is "driving certificates" or some other form of proof of driving validation to undocumented checked approximately every 10 years. drivers, allowing those drivers to drive Time for Action: Over the past two years, legally and ensuring that they would have LWVIL issued TFA’s related to a Lethal passed a state driving test. The LWVIL also Violence Protection for Family members and believes the State of Illinois should permit to Gun Dealer Licensing. and encourage auto insurance providers to issue insurance coverage to holders of 2018-19: such driving certificates. The League supported the Firearms Restraining Order and the Combating Illegal The LWVIL opposes: Handguns Trafficking Act which were • Deputization of state and local police to revised versions of the Lethal Violence Order enforce immigration laws in Illinois.

• Legislation or ordinances at the state and President Obama did not have the votes to local level that would penalize landlords for pass any meaningful legislation. During the renting to undocumented immigrants. lame duck session, Illinois Senator Durbin and others were unsuccessful in passing a • Legislation or ordinances at the state and federal Dream Act to provide a path to local level that would prohibit the issuance of business permits to undocumented citizenship for undocumented immigrants. immigrants. New laws introduced in several states in 2010 • LWVIL does not support extending the right were intended to restrict undocumented to vote to undocumented immigrants. immigrant activity (i.e. renting housing or gathering for day jobs) and to give local Background police the right to question drivers and ask for identification. The topic had crept up the “awareness ladder” in the United States. Specifically, in Illinois, a 2011, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick state with one of the largest immigrant Durbin (D-IL), reintroduced the DREAM Act populations in the country, it was and in Congress, and the Illinois DREAM continues to be debated regularly in the media Act became law. It offers undocumented and by our elected local and state officials. youth access to higher education and Because of the federal government’s inability establishes a privately-funded Illinois to pass enforceable immigration laws, DREAM Fund, administered by a volunteer legislation was and still is being introduced in state commission,that makes scholarships the General Assembly and communities have available to immigrants’ children who been considering local ordinances to address graduate from Illinois high schools. The immigration issues. Illinois DREAM Act does not impose any The scope of the June 2005 LWVIL adopted cost to Illinois taxpayers. study was: “How should Illinois respond to the challenges and opportunities of June 2012 – The Obama Administration immigration in the areas of economic policy, called for Deferred Action for Childhood social policy which includes education, and Arrivals (DACA) deferring deportation for the governmental process?” Following the certain undocumented young people who two year study funded through the generosity came to the US as children and pursued of local Leagues, the study committee education or military service in the US. An narrowed the focus of the consensus estimated 15,000 came to Navy Pier in questions to what could be addressed at the Chicago on the first day of registration for state level. In addition to those questions this program. In the US, up to 1.7 million of where there was consensus and that now the 4.4 million undocumented immigrants age make up the immigration position, the 30 and under potentially qualify for DACA, LWVUS and LWVIL have existing positions according to new estimates from the Pew on fiscal policy and social policy to include Hispanic Center. education and healthcare that do not specify citizenship as a prerequisite to application as 2013 needed. • LWVIL supported a bill providing Temporary Visitor Driver's Licenses LWVIL Action: (TVDL), which became law enabling Immigration Reform did not advance during 2009 and 2010. At the Federal Level, 84

undocumented immigrants in Illinois and immigrant-friendly organizations are to legally drive. providing “Know Your Rights” trainings and • LWVIL urged its members to contact assisting these populations in putting together their members of Congress to demand family and estate plans in anticipation of comprehensive immigration reform. separation (temporary custody for children, etc.). Schools saw an increased rate of 2015-17 absenteeism from these populations as a Background: After the inauguration of result of these fears. President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017, there was a flurry of activity around Activity in Illinois: In response to Trump’s immigration and refugees. President Trump actions, there was a lot of activity in the signed executive orders on January 25 to Illinois General Assembly, with proposals to enable construction of a wall at the US and increase immigrant protections in the state. In Mexico border, increase border patrol forces April 2017, the Chicago City Council and immigration officers, withhold federal approved a Municipal ID program. This grant funding for sanctuary cities, and identification card benefits individuals who increase deportations of undocumented either cannot or have difficulty obtaining immigrants. That same week, President government issued documents, including Trump signed an executive order for a immigrants, homeless persons, persons with temporary ban of refugees awaiting disabilities, returning citizens, and resettlement in the US. It also banned citizens transgender individuals. Chicago’s of seven majority Muslim countries from Welcoming City Ordinance already limits entering the US on a Visa. This created chaos access of immigration status information and at US airports, resulting in protests and court interactions with immigration enforcement. action. A Washington State federal judge put a temporary halt to Trump’s ban, which was • LWVIL supported many immigration affirmed on February 9th by the 9th Circuit bills during the 2017 General Session, Court of Appeals. Then, the same week the including The Trust Act – Protect and “Travel Ban” was being decided in court, ICE build trust between law enforcement conducted deportation round-ups in 7 major agencies and immigrant communities cities around the country, detaining over 600 by limiting police involvement in people in a week’s time. It is now clear that federal immigration enforcement--and ICE plans to intensify these round-ups, and The Safe Zones Act – Protect state the current political climate has created a funded schools, universities, and tremendous amount of fear within immigrant healthcare facilities from allowing communities. Not long after Trump’s initial access to Immigration and Customs Travel Ban was halted, the White House Enforcement (ICE) or agencies issued an amended Executive Order barring working on behalf of ICE without a those from 6 Muslim countries to enter the valid court-issued warrant. • US. This ban, like its predecessor, is often referred to as the “Muslim Ban.” Federal • Many local Leagues held programs judges ruled against the ban, preventing it and advocated for immigrants who from going into effect. Immigrants, especially live in their communities. those who are undocumented, continue to live in fear of detention, deportation, and family separation. Many good government groups

2018-2019 -- Facility Moratorium Act, and HB • TFAs went out asking members to 1637 Stop Local Police from submit comments opposing a Becoming ICE Agents (KIFTA) in citizenship question on the 2020 addition to asking for a restoration of Census. LWVIL President Bonnie immigration funding (ISLI) and Cox sent a letter under her name. adequate Census funding for hard to • LWVIL supported immigration bills count communities. All these bills in Springfield during the 2018 spring passed and were among 16 pro- session. All passed out of the General immigration bills that became law Assembly; however, Gov. Rauner after this session. Illinois is working vetoed: SB 35 Immigration Safe to create a firewall to help protect Zones Act, SB 34, VOICES immigrants and refugees in our state. Act (Support Domestic Violence and • Across the state, local Leagues have Trafficking Survivors), and SB 3103, continued to organize, hold, and the Immigration Tenant Protection participate in public programs, vigils, Act, which protects tenants in rental and marches in support of immigrants, properties from threats based on their asylum seekers, and refugees. perceived immigration status. Rauner did sign into law: SB 3488 Anti- (See LWVUS Immigration position.) Registry Act (Resist Registry Programs Targeting Ethnic and Religious Groups) and SB Income Assistance 3109, which removes eligibility 1971, Revised 1997 requirements related to immigration status from many professional LWVIL Position: licenses. • LWVIL believes that the federal • LWVIL hosted a caucus at the 2018 government should bear primary LWVUS Convention. responsibility for financing programs designed to meet the basic needs of • Both LWVIL and LWVUS individuals and families. participated in the June 2018 Keep • LWVIL supports secondary state funding Families Together March held in for income assistance and supportive Chicago during Convention. services for all low-income individuals and • LWVIL sent out TFAs asking for families. public comment in regard to the • The administration of income assistance Flores Settlement Agreement and the and supportive services requires the Public Charge Rule. recruitment, retention, and training of • IL local League presidents and sufficient numbers of qualified personnel; members assisted ICIRR in getting clear guidelines for responsibility; adequate commitments from legislators to information systems; and program support an override vote on SB 34 The evaluation.

VOICES Act. The bill became law. Background • During the Spring 2019 Legislative 1971: LWVIL and LWVUS conducted Session, LWVIL worked with ICIRR simultaneous studies of income assistance and to support HB 2691 The RISE Act alternatives to welfare (Retention of IL Student & Equity A revised position was adopted at the 1997 Act), HB 2040 Private Detention Convention, affirming that federal funding 86

should be the primary source for income • LWV is concerned that IDHS staff assistance; the State’s role should be a strong reductions in local offices and high secondary, not supplemental, source. caseloads result in low quality services. • LWVIL has supported retention of and 2013: As of the Spring 2013 legislative increased funding for, assistance programs session, TANF recipients no longer have an such as TANF (Temporary Assistance to asset limitation in Illinois. This means having Needy Families), food stamps, low-income assets such as a car, house, savings account utility payments, the Women, Infants and no longer are counted as income, thus helping Children (WIC) supplemental food program to promote higher self sufficiency for the and family planning programs. LWVIL family. supported legislation that increased the TANF grant to Illinois families 2015: Survey results of state-funded homeless • The League worked for a rewrite of the service providers found 90% of these Illinois Public Aid Code and a strengthened providers needing to deny assistance. The emergency assistance system. lack of funding since July 2015 has affected programs such as Homelessness Prevention, Federal level: LWVIL opposed the enactment Homeless Youth, Emergency and Transitional of the Personal Responsibility and Work Housing and Supportive Housing Services, Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that even with increased demand for these ended the federal entitlement income support services. Some programs for adolescent to all eligible low-income families and substance abuse treatment programs have shifted major responsibility for meeting closed without the state funding help. In basic human needs from the federal addition to the lack of state funds, providers government to the states. Working in are concerned with the impact in the coalition with other advocacy organizations, provision of matching federal dollar funding. LWVIL followed and responded to state welfare proposals and submitted comments Two housing legislation pieces passed in on the Illinois Plan for Temporary Assistance 2015: SB 1440, the Reverse Mortgage to Needy Families (TANF). Consumer Protections which includes provisions to be certain seniors considering 1996-97: LWVIL monitored and provided reverse mortgages are protected against scams input into the state human services and predatory lending practices. SB1547, reorganization process. protecting people from punishment for calling 911 in response to domestic or sexual 1999: LWVIL advocated for the passage and violence or for crimes committed against funding of the Illinois Equal Justice Act them, seen as "nuisance calls". designed to help lower-income families navigate the complex legal system on such LWVIL Action: civil matters as Medicaid, food stamps and • The League continually works for adequate illegal evictions. grant levels and automatic cost-of-living increases, along with better salaries and a 2003: separation of clerical and casework staff • LWVIL supported legislation to establish a functions for the Illinois Department of refundable state earned income tax credit Human Services (IDHS). (EITC), a critical form of income assistance to help working families.

• League worked in coalition with Voices for 2009-2011 Illinois Children and other groups on a • LWVIL supported an improved workforce long-term educational and advocacy development system to aid disadvantaged campaign to enact a state EITC. job seekers and low income workers • League supported the Voices for Illinois throughout the state, including more post Children’s Budget and Tax Policy Initiative high school educational opportunities. that identified spending policies in • LWVIL continues to support efforts to legislation that affect children and provide funding for supportive living families initiatives including food programs and • League supported effective child support utility aid programs. guidelines and collection efforts. • LWVIL supported child care assistance • LWVIL worked with coalitions to improve for low income families for whom quality the well-being of low-income families child care is vital, and worked to keep co- through monitoring TANF reauthorization , payment requirements at a reasonable level. WIA (Workforce Investment Act) and the • LWVIL has supported an increase in the Food Stamp program. Earned Income Tax Credit to give more money back to low income workers and 2008 While there was a small TANF increase, help meet families’ needs. the economic climate did not allow salaries • LWVIL has worked to provide safe, deemed to be a living wage to raise a family’s affordable and quality housing: ensuring income above the poverty level. In addition, safe housing for domestic violence victims fewer voucher opportunities and higher rents and protecting renters in foreclosed homes led to more homeless individuals and families and apartments with children needing services. • LWVIL continues to support capital budget funds for affordable housing, including IL budget cuts meant cuts in crucial services housing for veterans and people with to vulnerable individuals and families just disabilities. when those services were most needed. • LWVIL has supported State level initiatives Education and training opportunities - needed to help struggling homeowners to modify for a skilled modern workforce - lagged their mortgages so they can afford their behind the growing numbers of people payments and avoid foreclosures. needing them. • We continue to monitor such funds as the CDBG and CSBG as well as the Low League supported a refundable state earned Income Housing Trust Fund. income tax credit increase and the effective Workforce Investment Act. 2011-2013 LWVIL worked with Voices for IL Children, League continues to advocate for quality Housing Action IL, National Low Income child care assistance and early Housing Coalition, Illinois Works for the intervention/early learning funding. Future, the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and groups at the State and We continue to advocate for funding from Federal levels. We joined the Responsible Federal and State resources for affordable Budget Coalition to regain funding for housing efforts for all individuals and services to lower income families and families including veterans and people with individuals in Illinois. disabilities.

We continue to advocate for State supports and Budget Accountability and other research for those struggling with their mortgages and agencies, including CLASP, National Low possible foreclosures. Income Housing Agency and Center for Budget Policy Priorities on the national level. In addition League is advocating for a raise in 2015-2017 : We have concerns regarding the the minimum wage [presently $8.25 per hour] tax policies which help top income families here in Illinois to help workers to become and corporations while cutting services highly more self sufficient in their daily lives. Many needed for working families and older low income individuals within a family are Americans, including Medicaid, SNAP, working more than one job daily and yet are education, housing and children's services . struggling to provide the basic living needs of housing, utilities, child care, transportation 2018-2019 and food. Raising the minimum wage also SB 1 which was passed by the Legislature and will strengthen the local small business signed into law by Gov. Pritzker increases the minimum wage in IL from $8.25 to $15.00 by Jan. economy since families would spend the 1, 2025. There are efforts to see the same wage income in their communities. Presently, a full mandate enacted nationally. time minimum wage jobs pays just $17,160 annually, well below the federal poverty level In July 2019, the EQUAL PAY ACT signed by of $19,090 for a family of three. Gov. Pritzker amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003 and prohibits IL employers from asking job applicants or their previous employers about salary history. 2013-2015 League continues to advocate for early intervention programs, TANF assistance, Medicaid and child care programs and Low and Moderate Income employment training programs to be funded Housing well. We advocate for SNAP [food assistance] to be well funded. The U.S. Farm LWVIL Position: Bill was passed which provides the food The Illinois League believes assistance rules for the Country. • The State should plan for adequate supplies of low and moderate-income The League advocated for an advisory housing. referendum to increase the minimum wage to • Builders of large developments and $10. While the referendum passed, no action planned unit developments should be has been taken by the Legislature. required to provide a percentage of their units for low and moderate income housing. The League of Women Voters IL positions re • Some kind of fair-share plan should be developed so that every community will employment, children's issues, income have a percentage of low and moderate assistance, fair housing, affordable housing income housing, rather than having it and public transportation remain in need of concentrated in a few areas of the state. advocates around Illinois. We continue to This kind of housing should be attractive work with resources on these from Voices for and diversified in design and should be Illinois Children, Shriver Poverty Law subsidized by both state and federal levels. Center, Housing Action Illinois, Chicago • The League believes an educational Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Jobs program is needed to explain the need for Council, Citizen Action/IL, Center for Tax and concept of low and moderate-income housing and that, when necessary, zoning 89

laws should be revised to accommodate These services should be integrated with such housing. those of other state agencies.

• A state mandate that adequate and LWVIL Action accessible community services be available 2009-2011: LWVIL worked to provide safe, for seriously mentally ill persons of all ages. affordable and quality housing for domestic The array of services should include: screening and evaluation, community violence victims and for renters who live in hospitalization, medication management homes and apartments that are foreclosed. and counseling, crisis intervention, case management, day treatment, life skills 2015-2017 LWVIL has worked with National programs, residential programs, job Low Income Housing Coalition and Housing training, social and recreational activities, Action IL as well as Il Housing Development educational services, family support and Agency on the many issues in affordable and respite programs, and transportation. fair housing. IHDA works to give funding opportunities to aid lower income and • The State should provide adequate funding moderate individuals and families for the for state facilities and should be the primary housing needs. source of funding for community-based mental health services. Local government,

together with federal and non-government In 2016 the first National Housing Trust Fund sources, should also contribute to dollars, $4.3 million, were allocated to Illinois community services. Funding should be to create and preserve and rehab rental homes tied to identified needs and effectiveness of that are affordable for extremely low income services. households. These funds will be used for housing people who are homeless, or at risk • State and local government should share of homelessness or household head with a the responsibility for planning for disability or illness. community services; implementation should be left to local government. A system of 2018-2019 local boards to administer funds for LWVIL tracked bills that would have provided services for the mentally ill should be funds for affordable housing, for lead poisoning required throughout the state. The boards prevention, for homelessness prevention, for should have the power to tax and to sealing eviction records, for protecting immigrant allocate state and federal funds for tenants, community services and for hospitalization of mentally ill persons. The boards should (See LWVIL Social Policy positions) coordinate and monitor community services.

Mental Health • The State should set and enforce 1987 and 1989 standards for all mental health programs and facilities it funds. LWVIL position: • The State should also be responsible for The League supports evaluating community-based services. • A comprehensive and coordinated system There should be minimum training of services for mental/behavioral health. requirements for professionals and other The Illinois Department of Human Services personnel working in state-funded should ensure both adequate state programs. The State should require local hospitals and community services to treat governments to provide in their zoning and rehabilitate the seriously mentally ill. 90

ordinances for residential programs for the Mentally Ill and the Public Citizen Health mentally ill persons. Research Group. • The League encourages increased use of 1993: LWVIL published A Home of their involuntary commitment to outpatient Own, to assist local community advocates services of seriously mentally ill persons, working for more housing options. when appropriate, to assist in keeping them from repeated and prolonged LWVIL Action: hospitalizations. Children’s Services Insurance companies should be required to • 1997: LWVIL testified on quality of and offer coverage for mental illness on the access to services resulting from closure of same basis as physical illness. the Metropolitan Child and Adolescent • Community education about mental illness Hospital in Chicago. should be emphasized, and innovative ways to improve the delivery of community- 1998: Commented on an administrative rule based mental health services should be affecting individual care grants for mentally encouraged. Financial incentives should ill children. be offered to communities that reduce unnecessary hospital bed usage by 2003: LWVIL supported the creation of the providing adequate community-based Children's Mental Health Partnership; worked services while assuring that mentally ill with them to implement the Strategic Plan for persons who need hospitalization will not Building a Comprehensive Children's Mental be denied. Health System in Illinois. Background: 1985: LWVIL Convention established a task Insurance Parity force to examine the state mental health League worked in coalition for over five system; findings reported in 1986 Public years to achieve insurance parity for mental Policy on Mental Illness in Illinois. illness and continued to advocate for stronger legislation. At the national level, Congress 1987: LWVIL Convention established a passed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Dominici position by concurrence, based on the task Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity force conclusions, and adopted a two-year Act of 2008 requiring the Departments of study of all aspects of community mental Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services health services. Consensus was reached in (HHS) and Treasury to issue regulations 1989. before the act went into effect in 2010.

1989 A Profile of Community Services for the LWVIL provided written testimony in April Mentally Ill of Illinois reported a failure to 2004 on the Fee for Service (FFS) plan to the develop services. That year the LWVIL House Special Committee on the Fee-for- Convention adopted a two-year Action Service Initiative. Campaign to promote community education and combat the stigma of mental illness. Mental Health Summit Coalition Grants were awarded to local Leagues to LWVIL has been a coalition partner to conduct specially-designed projects. preserve and increase mental health services funding. Activities include media work, 1990: The League received a special award lobbying, engaging traditional and non- for Public Service to People with Serious traditional allies and identifying issues that Mental Illness from the National Alliance for focus attention on the problems caused by

underfunding mental health services in the tax and to allocate state and federal funds for state. community services and hospitalization of 2009-2011 Action mentally ill persons. • Supported keeping new federal and state funds in the mental health system. *On July 22, 2013 Senate Bill 26 went into • Continued to advocate on behalf of persons law as Public Act 98-0104. This law will in prisons, jails, nursing homes and implement the Affordable Care Act in Illinois homeless shelters by monitoring and by expanding Medicaid to 138% of the promoting programs that would improve poverty level. This expansion will result in inmates’ and residents’ lives. the largest increase in mental health funding • Testified before Governor Quinn’s Nursing in the state since the enactment of Medicaid Home Safety Reform Commission. decades ago.

2011 Action *LWVIL advocated for the HB1538 Mental • Local Leagues testified at public hearings Health First Aid training act. The Department opposing mental health facility closures due of Human Services will establish and to state budget cuts without plans in place to administer the act so that certified trainers can serve clients. provide Illinois residents, professionals and • LWVIL wrote a letter in support of a multi members of the public with training on how purpose facility to be built in the NW to identify and assist someone who is Chicago suburbs that would provide low believed to be developing or has developed a income housing and mental health services. mental health or substance abuse disorder or is believed to be experiencing a mental health 2012-2013 Action or substance abuse crisis. *From 2009 to 2011 Illinois cut almost $114 million in General Revenue funding for 2015-17 Governmental Action: Illinois continues to offer expanded Medicaid under mental health and was fourth in all the states the Affordable Health Care Act which has for total cuts. During that period, Illinois cut opened affordable treatment programs for its total mental health care budget by more persons with mental health and substance than 30 percent. The Governor signed abuse problems. Stroger Hospital which HB190 in March 2013 restoring $12 million serves Cook county residents is running supplement funding allocation for FY 13. without a deficit-the first time in recent decades. The Governor has proposed a *The Governor signed PA 97-0439 significant cut to Medicaid services which amendment to the Community Mental Health would be detrimental to these populations. Act (405ILCS20) to mandate counties and Under state law, Chicago residents can gather Cook County townships with no local mental petition signatures to place a binding health authorities to form a mental health referendum on the ballot to establish an advisory committee. The seven-member Expanded Mental Health Services Program mental health advisory committee is charged (EMHSP). Passage of the referendum will with identifying and assessing current mental increase property tax by .025 % (A $16 health services, monitoring the expansion or increase for a $4,000 annual real estate bill). contraction of those services, and, if Funds are only for mental health services in necessary, recommending any additional the referendum-affected community. A services. The boards should have the power to governing commission of local residents

oversees the funds. EMHSP’s exist in the • The primary purpose of schooling is the North River area and the Near West side. transmission of knowledge and culture through which children learn in areas Besides the new West side EMHP in necessary to their continuing development. Chicago, two Mental Health Boards (708) • Such areas should include the language were created in Knox County and arts, mathematics, biological and physical Bloomingdale Township (Thanks to the effort science, social sciences, the fine arts, physical development and health. of the Roselle/Bloomingdale LWV) in the • Emphasis should be placed on the April 2017 election. Bloomingdale Township development of critical thinking skills and has a population of 111,000. the integration of knowledge. • Each school district shall give priority in the League Action Local Leagues can take allocation of resources to fulfilling the action under the state position which supports primary purpose of schooling. the establishment of mental health authorities (337, 533, 708 and the recent EMHSP’s in the State Program Mandates city of Chicago). All these boards are • The League supports the following established by referenda. With shrinking instructional mandates: language arts, state dollars and possible Block grants on the mathematics, science, social Federal level, local tax money for mental studies/history, foreign language, art and health services will be increasingly important. music, vocational education, special education, gifted education, early childhood education and health education. There should be flexibility in implementing Schools mandates at the local level. • Mandates such as metric measurement, School Quality career education, safety education and 1986 and 1987 consumer education should be integrated into other programs rather than existing as separate mandates. Driver education and LWVIL Position: physical education, especially at the high

Governance school level, should continue but with more The League believes that: local options permitted. The League • The State of Illinois should determine supports bilingual programs to enable non- minimum program for Illinois elementary English-speaking children to learn English and secondary schools. as quickly as possible, but programs must • The Illinois State Board of Education be flexible. should assume the primary leadership role • Local school districts should be required to in initiating policy, establishing minimum provide the following services: media standards, and coordinating delivery of programs, school food services, pupil services. personnel services, student health • The local school board should implement programs, necessary transportation minimum standards and provide leadership services and special services to in the community for program development. disadvantaged children. In addition, the local school board should • The League supports state requirements make recommendations to the Illinois State for compulsory attendance and Board of Education concerning programs minimum standards for length of school for Illinois schools. day and school year. The League opposes any additional state-mandated

Primary Purpose of Schooling school holidays. The League believes: 93

sciences degree, completes a successful State Standards for Schools and Students period of internship and passes an objective The State should set standards for the test to ensure competency in basic skills and recognition and accreditation of schools and subject matter to be taught. school districts. The goals and learning Staff Evaluation: The League supports a objectives established by the State should be comprehensive evaluation process for both minimum standards, which local districts teachers and principals. should enhance. Local districts should be permitted and encouraged to be flexible in Teachers should be evaluated by the evaluation of students' learning of administrators (principals, department chair essential information and skills. or other administrators) and other teachers, all of whom should receive training in teacher The State should set minimum achievement evaluations. A comprehensive evaluation standards for graduation and promotion should be based on the following criteria: to various grade levels. Remediation attendance, classroom management skills, programs should be provided at all levels of instructional methods, knowledge of subject instruction for students achieving below matter, continuing professional education and grade level. interpersonal skills.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Principals: Evaluations of principals should Education be done by administrators and teachers who • The League believes that the effectiveness are trained to evaluate. The evaluation of education should be evaluated by both should be based on the following criteria: class time requirements and knowledge ability to maintain productive parent-school gained as measured by mastery of learning relationships, organizational skills, ability to objectives. establish and preserve a positive school • Evaluation should include information climate, instructional leadership, ability to assembled for the school/school district objectively evaluate personnel and their Report Cards, student test scores, teaching skills, continuing professional programs offered, student/staff ratios, education and interpersonal skills. building standards, and qualifications of teachers. No one factor (e.g., test scores) Tenure: The League favors modifications in should be used exclusively. the tenure laws including extension of the • The League does not support the two-year probationary period, establishment withdrawal of funds from a school district of a plan for periodic renewal of tenure and that does not meet state standards, but elimination of seniority as the sole criterion does approve withdrawal of recognition as for dismissal of teachers when reducing the a last resort, after extensive and creative teaching force (RIF, reduction in force). remediation efforts have been tried. Quality: To ensure that the teaching Personnel Issues profession attracts and retains highly Teacher training and certification: The qualified teachers, the League supports: League supports stringent entrance • An increase in beginning teachers' salaries requirements into a four-year undergraduate financed either by the State directly or program for students who intend to teach. through grants to local districts to use at Such students should pursue an their discretion for increased salaries. undergraduate course of study that primarily • An increase in the role of teachers in emphasizes the liberal arts and sciences and instructional leadership and management allows for early and varied teaching decisions experiences. Certification should be granted • Establishment of a career ladder for after the student obtains a liberal arts and teachers which includes increased salaries 94

for increased teacher responsibilities and reduce financial disparities between districts an increase in salary for teachers who take and increase equity for students and for advanced courses or obtain advanced taxpayers. degrees. • The State should concentrate its efforts on raising the level of the financial resources of poorer districts. School Finance • Capping of allowable expenditure per pupil 1975, 1977, 1979, revised 1993 should not be used as a means to achieve equity. LWVIL Position: • A reasonable minimum local tax effort, The League believes that: achievable without referendum, should be • Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade public required for a district to receive equalization schools should be provided stable, reliable aid. and adequate revenue through a combination of federal, state and local The League strongly supports reduced sources. reliance on local property taxes to fund • State funding levels should be sufficient to schools and believes that the State should enable districts to provide for all students assume the major responsibility for funding an education that meets both standards public education. established by the State Board of • The League opposes proposals that would Education and legislated mandates. provide public funds for private schools. • The income tax (preferably at a graduated The League opposes additional mandates rate) provides the most productive and without state funding provisions. equitable source of revenue for schools. • The State should not subsidize districts too • The League opposes state assumption of small to meet state standards but rather the total cost of public education because it should encourage consolidation through could diminish local control and educational financial incentives. innovation. • State standards for education should also address the importance of adequately maintaining and building school facilities. Higher Education Funding 2017 General state aid to schools should be LWVIL supports sustained allocation of reviewed regularly, taking into account state funds for public higher education that increases in the cost of living, professional will provide quality postsecondary programs estimates of the cost of quality educational throughout the state. Objectives for adequate programs, and regional differences in the costs of providing the same or similar public funding should be to: services. • Provide affordable educational • The League strongly supports using a opportunities which foster global weighting factor for low-income students, competitiveness for the people of believing that basic funding for Illinois and their employers disadvantaged students should reflect their • Eliminate and prohibit barriers to need for additional services. funding higher education: • Local districts should be held accountable constitutional, statutory, and by the State for the expenditure of money regulatory for programs that fill special student needs. • Invest in capital construction and The distribution of state funds to public long-term maintenance of higher elementary and secondary schools should education facilities 95

• Attract, maintain, and retain quality national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for teaching staff special education services. • * Used curriculum or instruction that failed to In addition, the League supports sustained maintain the separation of church and state. * Failed to admit prospective students funding to attract, support, and retain periodically throughout the year as space qualified Illinois students through: became available. • State-funded, need-based financial aid * Failed to enforce truancy laws. • State-funded, merit-based scholarships • Employees should have the right to organize • State-funded grants paying for unions at charter schools. • The authority for approving and renewing research assistantships charters should reside exclusively in the local • State-subsidized internships school board. • Local voters should be able through Charter Schools referendum to request their school board to establish a charter school. 2001, updated in 2015 • There should be adequate provisions for LWVIL Position: education of the public and participation in The League of Women Voters of Illinois the authorizer’s decision-making process. supports accountability, transparency, and equity • in the use of public funds for education, including If the Illinois State Board of Education charter schools. (ISBE) or a body appointed by ISBE, such as the State Charter School Commission, has the The League of Women Voters of Illinois believes power to reverse a decision by a local school that board, local voters should be able through • Adequate and equitable funding is needed for referendum to override the decision of ISBE all public schools, including charters. The or the appointed commission. financial impact on traditional public schools • There needs to be good communication must be evaluated before charters are among all public schools regarding effective granted. innovations. • Charter school authorizers should evaluate the LWVIL has identified the following areas of performance of existing charters before concern about charter schools: granting new charters or approving additional 1) Financial impact on school districts. For campuses. example, • Existing charter schools should be evaluated * Charters can place financial pressure on in incremental periods not to exceed five districts by drawing money out of the years (and preferably more frequently) for traditional public schools. purposes of charter renewal. * When a student transfers between • Charters should be revoked or not renewed if traditional public and charter schools, a school repeatedly or egregiously funding for that pupil should be prorated * Failed to meet content standards, pupil and transferred in a timely fashion. performance standards, or school climate * All property, equipment, and materials standards identified in the charter contract. purchased by a charter school with * Failed to meet generally accepted standards public dollars should be surrendered of fiscal management. to the local district if the school * Violated any provision of state or federal closes for any reason. law from which the charter school was not exempt. 2) Privatization and profit-making. The LWVIL * Discriminated against students based on opposes the presence of private, for-profit characteristics such as family economic companies in the governance of public education. circumstances, disability, race, creed, color, Subcontracting most of the management of a

school to a for-profit organization should be position adopted in 1975 supported the resource prohibited. equalizer formula concept.

3) Lack of transparency. Like other public 1983-1985: League efforts were directed toward schools, charter schools should be subject to re-educating members about school finance so disclosure of they could serve as community resource people • Potential conflicts of interest of and marshaling citizen input into the school members of the governing board reform movement. 1985 Convention delegates • Sources of revenue adopted position for full funding of mandated • Salaries and benefit packages programs and development of a school funding • The identity of the owner of any system that was equitable and adequate for all property and buildings schools in Illinois. • Admission processes 1985-1989: LWVIL concentrated efforts to 4) Virtual education (provided by computers off- ensure that education was given the financial site, with students spending little if any time in a resources to implement the 1985 education brick-and-mortar school). Virtual education is not reforms. When it became obvious that there was appropriate for elementary-aged students except no hope of passing an increase in the income tax, in rare circumstances. Funding for virtual schools the League worked for passage of an increased should be based on actual costs, rather than the cigarette tax. same level of funding provided to other charter schools. 1987-1989: During this biennium, LWVIL concentrated efforts on convincing the General LWVIL Positions on Schools Background: Assembly that an income tax increase was League support for equal educational opportunity necessary if the education reforms (particularly is a national position that is now embodied in for high-risk pre-schoolers) and formula revisions League principles. Because education is a were to be funded. responsibility of the states, however, LWVIL and many other state Leagues have adopted positions 1990: With state funding of schools at less than on the equitable distribution of state resources for 51%, League joined the Coalition for Educational public schools. Rights in an unsuccessful lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois’ school funding 2008-2009: The state’s fiscal problems were system. LWVIL worked for school funding magnified by the national recession largely through the Coalition, which chaired from December 1994 to June 1996, until it dissolved in 2013-2015:Funding decreased, with an 89% late 1997. proration of the appropriation. 1991-1993: Through an action campaign adopted at the 1991 state Convention, local Leagues • FY2015: 64.2% of IL districts are in promoted public understanding of school finance deficit spending mode. issues and the need for school funding reform. • FY2014: 42.4% were in deficit LWVIL also monitored and provided testimony to spending the Legislative Task Force on School Finance. • In Chicago, traditional public schools lost $72M in funding, with a In 1992 LWVIL actively supported an corresponding rise in funding to amendment to the education article of the Illinois public charter schools Constitution, intended to strengthen the constitutional requirement for an adequate and LWVIL Action: equitable state school funding system. 1973-1975: A comprehensive new study to Although passed by the legislature, the measure examine more equitable ways to raise and fell short of passage in November. distribute money for schools was authorized. The 97

In spring 1993, LWVIL supported unsuccessful Federation of Teachers and Illinois Education legislation that embodied the Legislative Task Association. Force recommendations. 1999-2001: Charter Schools Study 1993 was also when LWVIL embarked on a tax 1999 LWVIL Convention delegates adopted the reform action focus centered on a campaign for a study focusing on advantages and disadvantages graduated income tax. (See Fiscal Policy of charters, current and potential funding sources, sections.) impact on local school districts, and educational implementation of charters. The Charter School 1995: LWVIL Convention approved formation of position was approved by the LWVIL Board in a Working Committee on State Tax and School 2001. Funding Reform to direct efforts in these areas. 2001-2009: Increases for school funding 1996 - 1997: LWVIL testified before the remained an important issue as local Leagues Governor’s Commission on Education funding educated themselves and the public about school and, with coalition partners, supported legislation funding via public meetings with Ralph Martire stemming from the Commission’s from the Center for Tax and Budget recommendations. The recommendations, Accountability. LWVIL was also an active including a personal income tax increase, failed in participant in coalitions sharing a common both the 1996 and 1997 spring sessions. interest in reforming Illinois’ school finance system such as the Better Funding for Better LWVIL did not take a position on a bill passed in Schools and the Responsible Budget Coalition. December 1997 that raised an additional $485 2008: A state-wide committee of League million for education from increased taxes on members was formed to devise strategies to cigarettes, telephone calls, and riverboat education League members on the issues of gambling. The League did, however, issue a school funding reform in order to expand our statement opposing gambling as a solution to grassroots effort. Illinois’ fiscal problems. (See State Fiscal Policy, p. 79) 2003-2019: Action focus adopted at LWVIL Conventions 1999: Since 1999, LWVIL representatives have At each convention, delegates included State met with and advocated for recommendations of Fiscal Policy and School Funding on the list the Education Funding Advisory Board (EFAB) which sets minimum levels for general state aid of Action Foci. This led to continued public payments to schools. education and lobbying on school funding reform and fiscal policy issues. Also in 1999, several tuition tax credit bills were introduced in the General Assembly. LWVIL 2009: LWVIL passed a Will of Convention unsuccessfully opposed the Educational Expenses to send a letter to the Governor and the Tax Reform Act, providing an annual state General Assembly urging them to pass a fair income tax credit for “qualified educational and equitable income tax, restore Illinois to expenses” . LWVIL viewed the threshold as too fiscal health in an accountable and transparent high to be met by the vast majority of parents of manner. public school children and, therefore, considered the legislation as a benefit to parents of private school students. 2000: The General Assembly attempted to pass 2009-2011: Responsible Budget Coalition the Illinois budget with a provision to funnel In the face of a growing state deficit, delayed public funds to nonpublic schools. The initiative payments, and budget cuts, League joined the was not included in the final budget after an RBC to support and lobby for a tax increase intense lobby effort by the League and Illinois and responsible budget that would protect 98

essential services. In January, 2010, a Subsequently, when an issues temporary tax increase which would sunset in specialist observed a meeting of the Commission, 2014 was passed., we learned from the Executive Director the Commission receives large amounts of private Corporate tax breaks funding.

During the 2011 Veto Session, significant tax LWVIL also sent a letter to Greg Richmond, chair breaks were given to Sears and the Chicago of the charter school commission, seeking Mercantile Exchange and its subsidiaries clarification on the role of the commission and its when the companies threatened to leave the goals. state. The League opposed these tax breaks as they endangered funding for schools and 2011-2013: Legislation of note focused other essential services. The revenues lost on school consolidation, school would have a greater negative impact on vouchers, funding for the Regional Offices essential services than the benefits from of Education, PTELL (Tax Cap) increased EITC and personal exemption. legislation which would have had a negative effect on local funding, shifting pension School Vouchers and Charter Schools costs to local school districts. These show a In 2010 and 2011 LWVIL opposed bills that disturbing trend to cost shifting from the state would fund pilot voucher programs in to local districts, accentuating inequities Chicago. Neither bill passed. Another bill to between districts. All were opposed by the establish a task force to study further expansion

of vouchers statewide drew interest but no LWVIL.

action in the General Assembly. In 2012, the League undertook a statewide project • LWVIL sent a letter in opposition to a bill to pass a constitutional amendment which allows establishing a state commission to charter new a graduated rate income tax. The action focus charter schools without local district approval was readopted at the convention in 2013. and removing ISBE oversight. This bill LWVIL collaborated with A Better Illinois, passed. which is under the auspices of the Responsible • A TFA asked that League members support - Budget Coalition. In 2013, LWVIL issued a Call with reservations - a bill providing an to Action, asking local Leagues to visit alternative to the Chicago pilot voucher plan by legislators, send a letter to the editor and/or an allowing up to 5 charter schools to be created to editorial approved by the LWVIL president, make serve the same population of students in failing phone calls, and send emails and postcards in or over-crowded schools. It passed. support of a graduated rate tax. The League also created a Speakers Bureau and a set of resources, In 2011 LWVIL issued the following TFAs: including power points and brochures. * opposing the creation of a charter school commission- it was passed 2013: The League submitted a letter to the * opposing a bill which would create vouchers –it Illinois Charter School Commission outlining was defeated. concern and opposition to virtual charter schools. Two months later, the Legislature called for a In 2012, LWVIL issued the following TFAs moratorium on virtual charters so that the issue * opposing asking districts to assume a higher could be studied. percentage of the costs of charter schools. The bill was defeated. 2013 LWVIL Recognizing increased proliferation * opposing a bill making the Charter School of charter schools as well as an increase in Commission autonomous, with no operational educational research analyzing them since 2001, oversight. Unfortunately, the bill passed. convention delegates adopted a study updating the

position. The updated Charter School position meet the same non-curricular health and safety was approved by the LWVIL Board in 2015. standards as traditional public schools. This became law. 2014: the League completed Witness Slips supporting the timely transfer of funds between a Bills designed to provide equitable funding charter school and a traditional public school, were stuck in committee.. opposing a reduced property tax rate for dual taxing districts. LWVIL issued witness slips and a TFA supporting bills which would require civic An advisory committee on Education Funding education in high school, delivered its report in 2014. Subsequently, major legislation was proposed to make school funding more equitable. General Legislative Trends: Unfortunately, in the absence of additional  Despite the two year state budget impasse, funding, the bills proposed would have education was one of the few discretionary simply created new winners and losers. line items in the budget with continued funding in both FY 16 and FY 17. LWVIL also created a fact sheet, completed a Nevertheless, the state was $1 billion behind Witness Slip and issued a TFA opposing a in mandated grant payments bill that was intended to provide more  Numerous school districts in the state equitable funding for schools but used a joined together to sue the Governor and faulty formula and failed to provide for ISBE, alleging that the state had violated funding. constitutional rights to state funding of learning standards, to equal protection, and to In response to a Voice of the People due process. submitted to the Chicago Tribune by Illinois  Every year there have been proposals to State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13), LWVIL freeze property taxes. In 2017, the governor President Mary Kubasak sent Mr. Raoul a recommended a permanent property tax letter reaffirming LWVIL’s position opposing freeze as part of his bargain to sign a budget. proposals that would provide public funds for School district personnel have indicated private schools extreme concern.

A witness slip was filed in opposition to a bill  An advisory committee was appointed by which would have reduced property tax rates the Governor to examine school funding for dual taxing districts. reform. In February, 2017, it reported that an evidence-based funding model has promise LWVIL sent a letter to the Illinois State for more equitable funding. HB 2808 (Davis), Board of Education supporting their efforts to and SB 1124 SAM 1 (Barickman) address the seek a waiver from No Child Left Behind need for an evidenced based funding model. mandates. After years of advocacy for adequate and 2015: LWVIL again supported legislation that equitable school funding in the state, a bill would have stopped the Charter School was passed which has the potential for Commission from overriding decisions of local equitable funding. Whether funding will be school boards. The bill became stuck in adequate will depend on revenue bills in the committee. coming years.

The League filed a Witness slip and issued a TFA supporting legislation to require charters to 100

However, passing a bill for Evidence-based oTFA opposing increasing the length of time funding came at a price – a compromise bill, for charter school renewals from 5-10 years. which LWVIL opposed, permits tax credits The bill was signed into law for donations to private school scholarships while providing for evidence-based funding. o TFA supporting Constitutional Amendment for graduated rate income tax. In 2017, funding of 80% of school districts in Did not pass. Illinois was below adequacy, according to Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) data oTFA opposing a freeze on property taxes. interpretations of the new evidence-based Did not pass. model. ISBE estimated that in the next 10 years, a total of $6.5 Billion will be needed to o Witness slip supporting preventing Charter bring all districts to adequacy. School Commission from overriding district decision. Did not pass A survey from the Illinois State Board of Education reports that of the 1,006 unfilled oTFA supporting passing a fully-funded state teacher positions in the state, 74% are in budget by June 30. Instead, a 6-month stop- majority-minority school districts while 81% gap budget was passed are in districts where the majority of students are low-income. 2017: Opposed voucher schools through a letter and witness slips 2015: TFA, video, Letters to editors, etc. : o TFA supporting preventing the Charter regarding the need to resolve the budget School Commission from reversing local impasse in order to achieve adequate funding school board decisions. o TFA supporting Civic Education in Middle 2016: School o TFA opposing the plan to use special o TFA supporting preventing new charter education funds to equalize educational schools from being approved in funding – the plan was dropped neighborhoods where traditional public o Letter to Representative Mayfield opposing schools were closed recently HB4424 – mandatory retention for third o TFA supporting preventing the misuse of graders not reading at grade level by the end federal funds designed for the classroom. of the year. oWitness slip with written testimony plus 2018-19 letters to Senator Cullerton and Rep. Flynn Issues identified by the Illinois State Board of Currie opposing HB4263, property tax cap. Education: Stalled in committee. • Fewer than one quarter of children in Illinois were prepared for o Letters to Governor and to ISBE opposing kindergarten the use of federal grant funds to open 48 additional charter schools. The funds were • ISBE has also reported teacher accepted for that purpose. shortages – particularly in downstate o TFA supporting including educators on the districts. This could be related to the ISBE Board. Did not pass. need for higher minimum salaries. A bill raising the minimum starting

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salary for teachers to $40,000 by 1) Equity - Imposes similar amounts of tax 2023/2024 was passed. on taxpayers in like circumstances. 2) Progressivity - Is based on ability to pay Successful TFAs in 2018/19: so that those with greater ability pay a greater percentage of their income. • League members asked their school 3) Stability - Provides a stable source of boards to instruct their delegates at the revenue. Illinois Association of School Boards 4) Responsiveness - Is able to capture and Conference in 2018 to oppose a reflect long-term economic growth. resolution on Arming Teachers. 5) Simplicity - Is easy and efficient to administer and is understandable to the • A bill passed which requires civic taxpayer. education in the middle school. Income Tax: The LWVIL supports a progressive income tax with a graduated rate • A bill was passed which abolishes the schedule. Until the Illinois Constitution is Charter School Commission and amended to allow graduated rates, the flat transfers authorization of the rate income tax should be made more commission’s nine charter schools and progressive. appeals of charter non-renewals to the Illinois State Board of Education. Sales Tax: The LWVIL supports a broad- Local district decisions to deny a based sales tax with exemptions for food and charter are now appealable to state medicines to reduce the impact on low- court. income persons.

• A bill was passed which – if the Property Tax: The LWVIL supports the use public agrees in November, 2020 – of the property tax for partially financing would amend the state constitution to education and local government and services. We support uniform, efficient and permit a graduated rate income tax professional tax assessment procedures.

(See also LWVUS Social Policy positions The LWVIL supports user fees pertaining to Equality of Opportunity, and User Fees: structured and levied with a sensitivity to low- LWVUS Impact on Issues.) income persons.

State Fiscal Policies 1977, 1980, 1981, Deductions, Exemptions and Credits: The modified 1987, revised 1994 LWVIL supports achieving policy goals through direct expenditures rather than LWVIL Position: deductions, exemptions and credits. If The LWVIL supports a diversified revenue deductions, exemptions and credits are used, system which principally relies on a they should: combination of broad-based taxes and user 1) decrease the tax burden on lower income fees, is equitable, progressive, stable, persons and further overall progressivity. responsive and simple. 2) be periodically reviewed to justify continuation. Criteria: The LWVIL supports a state 3) be the most efficient means of achieving revenue system which overall is based on the their intended purpose. following criteria:

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Local Implications: Distribution of state not an adequate basis for developing a state revenues to local government is an position. However, there was substantial appropriate source of local revenue. LWVIL agreement among the participating Leagues opposes statutory limits on local and the state board recommended to the 1981 government's ability to raise taxes and spend LWVIL Convention that individual Leagues revenue. Local services mandated by the concur with the position statement. The State should have state appropriations linked to the mandate. convention adopted the recommendation, and concurrence was reached in the fall of 1981. Background: Several positions on taxation and The 1991 LWVIL Convention adopted an assessment were developed through land use action focus on fair and adequate school and tax structure studies during the 1970's funding. Implicit in this item was a and combined into one item in 1977. The commitment to work for a constitutional 1979 LWVIL Convention adopted a amendment for a graduated income tax as comprehensive study of financing state and the most equitable means of securing the local government that included revenue revenues needed to end the disparity in sources, expenditure procedures and educational opportunity for Illinois children. limitations on taxing and spending. Partial consensus was reached in 1980 on tax and In 1993, the state board appointed a spending limitations. committee to review the LWVIL Fiscal Policy position. The 1994 Interim Council The League supported a graduated income tax approved a revised position. at the time of the 1970 Constitutional Convention. A political compromise, The 1993 LWVIL Convention adopted an however, resulted in the approval of a flat action campaign to reform the state's tax rate income tax. LWVIL has worked to system, including an initial focus to work for improve the flat rate tax to make it more a constitutional amendment for a graduated progressive by urging that the personal income tax as a foundation for a more exemption and the earned income credit be productive tax structure. increased. (See LWVIL Constitutional Implementation and Amendments.) The 1995 LWVIL Convention approved the formation of a Working Committee on State LWVIL has a Speakers Bureau to promote Tax and School Funding Reform, reflecting knowledge of the issue and build support for a strong commitment to continued League changing the Illinois Constitution to allow for activity in these areas and the recognition that a graduated rate income tax. Legislation to long-term solutions for school funding will put the question on the ballot was supported require reform of the state's tax system. by LWVIL. In May 2019, the General Assembly voted to put the question to the The General Assembly adjourned on May 31, voters at the November 2020 General 2017 without a budget agreement. In July, Election. the General Assembly passed a budget and a permanent increase in the income tax. A comprehensive study of the revenue Governor Rauner vetoed the budget bill and system began in 1980. The state board the tax increase. The General Assembly determined that the local League participation overrode the vetoes. The budget agreement (less than 60%) in the consensus process was helped the state avoid receiving junk bond 103

status from the bond rating agencies. enacted to require training in assessment However, the budget did not have sufficient practices and procedures for township revenues to pay for expenditures or to pay assessors and to establish multi-township down the $16 Billion backlog of unpaid bills. assessment districts with a minimum The General Assembly also passed a bill population of 1,000 by January 1981. allowing the issuance of $6 Billion in bonds Property tax bills must now provide more to pay some of the backlog of unpaid bills. information, and better citizen awareness of the appeals process have resulted in many 2017-2019 more challenges to inequitable assessments. During 1982-83, the State's ability to After the actions taken in July 2017, the state adequately fund services was eroded by had a budget for FY 2018 and FY 2019 and recession, federal funding decreases and tax some additional revenue. It was able to pay relief legislation. The League worked to some old bills. It avoided junk bond status. increase awareness of the State's financial But it did not have enough money to repair dilemma and to increase the state income the damage done during more that two years tax. In 1983, a temporary 18-month increase without a budget and without the revenues in the income tax was enacted. Attempts to which were lost when the temporary income secure a permanent increase were futile. The tax of 2011 was allowed to lapse. Damages League supported a 5% tax on interstate included: telecommunications and an increase in the cigarette tax to fund education in 1985. • The backlog of unpaid bills increased to $16 Billion. In 1986, the financial condition of the State of Illinois became substantially worse. • The cost of debt service (interest payments) increased. Increases in public aid grants were again vetoed, and the 1985 Education Reforms were • Federal funds could not be dispersed without a budget. not adequately funded. From 1986 through 1997, a top League Social service and health providers • priority was support for a state income tax were forced to cut staff and services. increase to provide adequate funding for • Intended recipients of these services education and human services. The League were under-served or lost services. formed CARE for Illinois, a coalition of over • School districts were covered by a 100 organizations, and achieved partial partial budget for General State Aid. Some of success with the 1989 temporary income tax these payments were late. Payments for surcharge that was made permanent in two categorical spending such as special stages in 1991 and 1993. education and transportation were delayed or not made. School districts had to find other The League continues to support increasing sources of funds or make cuts. the amount of the personal exemption to • Pensions were not fully funded and reduce the burden on low-income families. the unfunded liability grew. LWVIL supported a sunset measure passed in • Higher education sustained severe 1994 for newly created exemptions, credits cuts. Students left Illinois. and deductions. The League has continued to oppose additional income tax exemptions and LWVIL Action: deductions that would further erode state A number of League positions have been revenue. LWVIL opposed legislation enacted enacted into law. In 1979, legislation was in 1991 to cap local property taxes for the

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collar counties and similar legislation enacted revenue package. (See LWVIL Schools in 1995 for Cook County. position.) At the end of the spring 1998 legislative session, the General Assembly In the spring of 1991, the League began to enacted a small, phased-in increase of the promote discussion of a constitutional personal exemption. amendment for a graduated income tax as the best long-term solution to the State's The League opposed legislation passed in persistent financial problems leading to the 1998 that allows income from multi-state formation of Progress Illinois in 1993. This corporations to be apportioned to Illinois by was a statewide coalition of organizations the sales factor. This narrowed the corporate chaired by the League, that spearheaded a tax base, at a time when the State has no campaign for a graduated income tax long-term school funding solutions. constitutional amendment on the November 1994 ballot. LWVIL and local Leagues In June 2000, League spoke against the six- mounted an extensive public education and month suspension of the Illinois gas tax, lobbying campaign to generate support. stating that the projected 2% across the board Resolutions proposing a constitutional reduction in state budgets would adversely amendment were introduced in both houses in affect Illinois social services. the Spring 1993 legislative session but election year politics prevented the In 2001, LWVUS and LWVIL joined the amendment from being called for a vote. "First Things First" coalition in advocating that the federal government put "first things LWVIL continued to work for progressive first" and spend revenues on necessary tax reform both in the context of its school government programs that the League funding efforts and in its work with Progress supports, rather than tax cuts. League Illinois. As part of its public education and testified at a rally on April 11, 2002 and advocacy effort, the coalition commissioned participated in grassroots lobbying to oppose two significant research projects from the the tax cuts. University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs: (1) an analysis of Illinois' At the 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, structural revenue deficit and (2) the and 2015 LWVIL Conventions, League development of computer models of Illinois' members voted to adopt an action focus on individual income and general sales taxes to State Fiscal Policy and School Funding for analyze the impact of major tax reform the following two years. To carry out this proposals on the burden on taxpayers at action focus, LWVIL and local Leagues different income levels and on revenue attended LWVIL Issues Briefings, Lobby growth. Lawmakers, legislative staffs and Days, and meetings with legislators on the others who analyze and evaluate both existing subject. Local Leagues held public forums to tax policies and a number of revenue educate League members, legislators, and the proposals have used the models. public on school funding and fiscal policy issues. League members attended rallies in During the school funding debate in the Springfield, wrote letters and emails, and spring 1997 legislative session, the League made phone calls to legislators to urge the supported the Governor's failed call for an governor and legislators to pass legislation income tax increase and tried to insert an which would increase state spending on increase in the personal exemption in the schools and social services and would

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increase state revenues by raising the income temporary, and in January, 2015, the personal tax, broadening the sales tax, and providing income tax rate dropped to 3.75%, and the tax property tax relief. on corporations dropped to 5.25%. The 2011 legislation did not include expansion of the The 2007-2009 Biennium was a grim time to sales tax or expansion of the Earned Income advocate for change in the way that the state Tax credit to protect low and moderate of Illinois raised revenues. Former Governor income families, changes which the League Blagojevich deadlocked with the General had promoted. Assembly and very little was accomplished. Governor Quinn and the General Assembly The Illinois fiscal situation was grim. While continued the disagreement over how to pay Federal stimulus funds initially kept schools for government and repair the structural and services afloat, when they ended in deficit. The state continued to ration December, 2010, the state was unable to available funds by delaying payments to make up the difference. Despite the additional schools and social service providers and by $7B expected from the income tax hike, postponing payments to the state pension Illinois began FY 2012 with an estimated systems. A national recession magnified the deficit of $9 B. Although the state eventually state’s fiscal problems. paid its outstanding bills from FY 2009 and 2010, late payments continued. As a member 2009-2011 of the Responsible Budget Coalition, the In 2009, A Will of Convention directed the LWVIL supported “debt restructuring”-- Board of Directors to call for the Illinois using some of the new tax revenue to back a Governor and the General Assembly to bond issuance so that the state can back restore the state's fiscal health and to provide outstanding bills owed to state and local for Illinois' future. agencies. In addition, LWVIL supported decoupling from the enhanced Federal The LWVIL worked with the Better Funding depreciation program and using the Senate’s for Better Schools Coalition to encourage the revenue estimate as the basis for the FY 2012 governor and the General Assembly to budget to help preserve some of the services change the way the state raises revenues and scheduled to be cut. to spend more money on public schools. In 2009, HB 174 was introduced and the 2011-2013: Responsible Budget Coalition, which LWVIL The economy continued to stagnate after the joined, was formed to promote its passage. end of the “Great Recession”. State revenues The RBC later amended its stance to support improved because of a temporary tax increase an HB 174-like bill in the hopes that the but did not get a boost from an improving legislature could agree on a package without economy. The bill for twenty years of the confines of a particular bill. HB 174 deferred pension payments came due and the passed the Senate in 2010 but did not pass the General Assembly and governor were forced House. to grapple with the problem. The government continued to face billions in unpaid bills. 2011 The General Assembly successfully Spending cuts were forced on school districts passed an income tax increase on a strictly and social service and health care providers. partisan vote which raised the personal income tax from 3% to 5% and corporate tax LWVIL continued to work with the from 4.8% to 7%, The tax increase was Responsible Budget Coalition on ways to

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improve the state’s revenues. RBC began a economic downturn, and in part because of campaign called “A Better Illinois” to get the years of inadequate funding. General Assembly to place the question of allowing Illinois to have a graduated rate In January, 2015, the income tax rates income tax (GRIT) on the ballot in the dropped with the result that the FY2015 November 2014 General Election. LWVIL budget did not have enough money to fund joined this effort and established a Speakers some programs for the entire year. Governor Bureau to educate citizens on this issue. Rauner and the General Assembly were forced to deal with this problem, and they To support the work of the Responsible chose to cut programs and spend some Budget Coalition and further advocate on our unanticipated income tax revenues to get own for the needed tax increase, LWVIL through FY2015. The Illinois Supreme Court asked local Leagues statewide to participate ruled that the Illinois Constitution prohibited in a simple survey of schools, human service changes to state employee pensions and providers, and others who depend on state voided a prior “pension reform” law that was funding for all or part of their funds to supposed to save money for the state to use discover the impact on these organizations elsewhere in the budget. The Governor and and their ability to serve their clientele. Each the General Assembly were unable to agree League was then asked to report their findings on a budget for FY 2016. to their communities, via forum, editorial board meeting, or other method. Numerous The League worked to educate its members Leagues and their results and follow up action and the public about these complicated issues, was written into a final report. The Leagues and it advocated for adequate revenues for who participated did a remarkable job and education and health and human services. The should be credited with raising the public’s state’s fiscal problems were the subject of a awareness of the difficulties faced in their plenary session at the 2015 Issues Briefing, communities. several Time for Action requests, and reports in the E-News. LWVIL is a member of the 2013-2015 Responsible Budget Coalition, which also During FY 2014 and the first half of FY advocates for adequate revenues for education 2015, the State of Illinois collected income and health and human services. taxes at the higher “temporary rate”. Approximately 90% of the revenues from the 2015-2017 temporary income tax increase were used to The Governor and the General Assembly pay pension obligations which take $1 out of could not agree on budgets for FY2016 and every $4 that the state spends from its FY2017. Partial agreements funded General Fund. Some of the new money went elementary and secondary education. Court to reduce the backlog of old bills, and as a decrees allowed the State to pay salaries for result the budget deficit shrank from $8 state employees and some social services. billion to $6 billion. Important programs Some programs were funded in response to including pre-school, K-12, higher education, crises. The state's backlog of unpaid bills and health and human services did not see grew from $6 Billion to $15 Billion. Social much of the new money. The problem of service agencies were paid late or not at all. adequately funding pension programs Some agencies were forced to lay off staff continued, in part because the pension funds’ and cut programs. Some had to close. investments had lost so much value during the Medical bills for state employees were

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delayed and the backlog of payments to elected officials. And the League worked in providers grew to $5 Billion. Community coalition with the Responsible Budget colleges and state universities were not Coalition, which also advocates for adequate included in the partial budgets, and received revenues for education and health and human emergency payments in smaller than usual services. amounts. They were left with large holes in their budgets. Students did not receive MAP 2017-19 grants. Many students chose to leave for LWVIL worked with the Responsible Budget other states to continue their educations. Coalition to get the constitutional question, The Spring Session of the General Assembly called the Fair Tax, on the ballot in the ended on May 31, 2017 without a budget November 2020 General Election. That effort agreement. In July, the General Assembly was successful and LWVIL is working with reached agreement on a budget and a the coalition to educate the public and grow permanent increase in the income tax. The support for the amendment. LWVIL has a Governor vetoed the budget and tax increase. speakers bureau to provide speakers for The General Assembly overrode the veto. meetings around the state which will educate The budget agreement was sufficient for the voters on the Fair Tax. LWVIL will hold state to avoid receiving junk bond status by meetings, write brochures, letters and the bond rating agencies. The budget does postcards, and get the information to as many not have enough revenues to pay for the voters as we can. expenditures in it. Also, the budget does not have sufficient revenues to begin paying LWVIL has continued to advocate for the down the backlog of unpaid bills.. state to raise revenues to meet these needs and improvements. LWVIL works to educate During all of this time, the League worked to its members and the public about these educate its members and the public about complicated issues, including education and these complicated issues. The League health and human services. LWVIL educates advocated for adequate revenues for the state, its members at the annual Issues Briefing, for education and for health and human LWVIL state conventions, in Time For Action services. The state's fiscal problems were the emails and reports in the E-News. Local subject of plenary sessions at Issues Leagues hold meetings to educate the public Briefings, Time for Action requests, questions on these issues. And LWVIL works with for legislators at legislative interviews and coalitions, including the Responsible Budget articles in the E-News. League members did Coalition. their part and communicated with their

Statement on Gambling: No Cure for State’s Fiscal Ills 1999 - Issued by the League of Women Voters Board of Directors For 20 years, the League, based on our State Fiscal Policy position, has opposed gambling and expansions of gambling as a solution to Illinois’ fiscal problems. Gambling distracts attention from the real fiscal problems that Illinois must address which include: 1. A revenue system that is outmoded and structurally flawed because it grows more slowly than the economy and is therefore unable to provide stable funding for state programs and services from one year to the next and 2. A tax structure that unfairly burdens the poor. 108

The League opposes gambling for the following reasons: • Gambling revenue is only a small slice of the state revenue pie. • Gambling revenue has low natural growth potential. It does not contribute to the ability of the state revenue system to capture and reflect long-term economic growth or to provide stable funding for state services and programs. • Gambling is a regressive approach to raising revenue because it disproportionately impacts those with lower incomes, and does not improve the overall progressivity of Illinois’ revenue system. • Gambling and its various expansions give lawmakers the appearance of working to solve Illinois’ fiscal problems but only provide temporary stop-gap measures and an excuse for avoiding long term solutions to Illinois’ deteriorating fiscal health.

ACTION GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL LEAGUES

The strength and integrity of all League action is based on the decisions of informed members. When a position is reached, the League speaks with one voice, the voice of a substantial majority, and the minority abides by that decision. Leagues may, of course, decline to take action at any governmental level and maintain a public silence. But a League may not take action in opposition to official League positions. Members may act as individuals in support of or opposition to League positions, but they must make it clear that they are acting on their own behalf and not on behalf of the League unless authorized by the appropriate board to represent the League. The most effective action occurs when Leagues act at whatever level of government is most appropriate. For example, on a statewide issue, the most effective action occurs when local Leagues, acting in concert, lobby their own state legislators. Because legislators are most responsive to their own constituents, it is rarely effective for a local League to lobby a legislator representing a different area. For this reason, one of the most important criterions in adopting a study is whether the issue can best be addressed at the level of League that would undertake the study.

To ensure agreement on the interpretation of positions, to coordinate activities of the different levels of the League, and to enhance the effectiveness of League action campaigns, local Leagues are encouraged to consult with the state board about their action plans.

Consultation is required whenever: 1. The intended action would affect the jurisdiction of other Leagues and/or 2. A local League wishes to act at the state or national level on an issue which has not been the subject of a state or national call to action.

ACTION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE DECISION TO TAKE ACTION WHICH WILL AFFECT ONLY YOUR COMMUNITY RESTS WITH YOUR LOCAL LEAGUE BOARD. LOCAL POSITION In deciding to take action based on a local position, the board will want to consider: • whether the contemplated action falls within the relevant position 109

• whether your members understand and support the action • whether the action would be effective in your community STATE, IL OR NATIONAL POSITION Local Leagues are encouraged to take action in their communities based directly on positions from other levels of League. Consultation with a board member from that League level may be helpful in planning action strategy. INVOLVEMENT IN THE ABSENCE OF A LEAGUE POSITION Issues can arise quickly in a community where League input would be helpful but a lengthy study process leading to a local position is not feasible and there is no applicable position at another level of League. There are a number of ways that local Leagues can help resolve such issues and play a dynamic, visible role in the community. For example, they may: • bring diverse constituencies together to define the problem and facilitate a common solution • sponsor public hearings • provide objective research and education on the community issue • sponsor educational forums When the League is involved in a community issue without the basis of a formal position, it is critical that the League representatives remain objective and neutral. The League's role is to help the community reach consensus or air differing viewpoints in a calm, objective atmosphere.

ACTION AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL: ACTION THAT WOULD AFFECT THE JURISDICTION OF MORE THAN ONE LEAGUE REQUIRES CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARDS OF THE OTHER LEAGUES IN THE AREA INVOLVED. The procedure to be followed will depend on the complexity of the issue and the number of Leagues involved. If only two or three Leagues are affected, all should agree (or have no objection) to the plan of action. If more than three Leagues are involved, there should be consensus on the contemplated action. You may contact a member of the state or ILO board for guidance.

ACTION AT THE STATE LEVEL: ACTION THAT WOULD INVOLVE CONTACT WITH STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REQUIRES APPROVAL BY THE STATE BOARD. If your League is contemplating state-level action that has not been requested by the LWVIL board, please contact the LWVIL Issues and Action Vice President. LEGISLATION AFFECTING ONLY THE JURISDICTION(S) OF THE LEAGUE WISHING TO ACT The contemplated action may be based on positions from any League level and, as a general rule, will be given clearance by the state board. Consultation is needed, however, not only to keep the state board informed about all state-level advocacy but also to ensure that there is no conflict with other LWVIL action and to ensure that the action proposed is based on complete and current information. For example, in the course of a day a bill may

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be amended one or more times, and the League position may change accordingly. If action is approved, the local League may contact only its own legislators unless it has requested and received permission from other Leagues to lobby their legislators. Such was the case in 1993, when the DuPage County ILO successfully sought approval to lobby all state legislators on legislation relating to the DuPage County Airport Authority.

LEGISLATION AFFECTING JURISDICTIONS BEYOND THOSE OF THE LEAGUE WISHING TO ACT If the basis for the contemplated action is a state or national position, the state board will evaluate the proposed action in the context of its legislative priorities. Clearance will be given if there is no conflict with other LWVIL action. If the basis for the contemplated action is a local position, the state board will exercise extreme care in determining whether to approve such action. While using a local position as the basis for state-level action does not provide the most effective method for action and should not circumvent the state program planning process (through which changes to current state positions or new study items may be proposed), there are occasional circumstances when a local League may wish to pursue such action. In such cases, the local League will be asked to prepare a request for permission to act to be distributed to all affected Leagues. The request should include a description of the type, goals, impact and time frame of the contemplated action, including which legislators the League proposes to lobby, and to the greatest extent possible, the general effect of the proposed action on other local Leagues. The LWVIL Issues and Action Vice President will review the request prior to distribution. The state board will evaluate the responses of the local Leagues and determine whether to grant permission to act. Points the board will consider include: • Is the legislation permissive or binding? • What are the geographic impact, level and visibility of the contemplated action? • Is the issue divisive at any level? • Is there conflict with any local, ILO, or state League position? • Do any local Leagues object to the proposed action and why?

ACTION AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL: ACTION THAT WOULD INVOLVE CONTACT WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL REQUIRES APPROVAL BY THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. If your League is contemplating action at the federal level that has not been requested by the national board, you must clear your plans with LWVUS. You may call the LWVUS office directly. If you have questions, you may contact the appropriate state legislative/issue specialist or the LWVIL Issues and Action Vice President for guidance.

The State and Local League Request Form for Federal Issues/ League of Women Voters is at https://www.lwv.org/league-management/other-issues-tools/federal-action-request-form

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