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This event brings in experts about issues that impact our state. There were speakers about election integrity, state revenue and progressive tax, immigration enforcement, and data centers. Luckily, the event is recorded so I’ll make sure that link is shared in a future communication after it’s released.
The event was organized by LWVIL’s Issue & Advocacy Committee. The last session had members of the Committee talk about the areas that they monitor:
· Government
· Education
· Campaign Finance Reform
· Gun Violence Prevention
· ERA/Women’s Rights
· Climate
· Immigration
· Criminal Justice
· Reproductive Rights
· Housing
· Lobby Corps
They have created an issue Google Groups that you can sign up to follow these issues at the state level. To join one, you can email issues@iwvil.org.
You can also see the Illinois General Assembly Bills they are watching at LWVIL’s Our Priorities page. LWVIL also has an Action Alerts page where you can take action, learn about the League in Action phone app, and learn how to file a witness slip, learn more about the legislative process, and track bills on your own.
It reminded me again of how we’re part of a bigger community. If we see an impact on our local community, we can potentially draw on existing positions and experts at both the state and national levels.
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Advocacy for the sales tax in support of local schools
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Advocacy for the Unit 5 referendum
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Study of the local election authorities
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Contribution of local perspective to the LWVIL Gun Violence Prevention study
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Advocacy for protection of the Mahomet Aquifer from sequestration
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Support of efforts for creating affordable housing
We are all in this together. We can all make change and we don’t have to do it on our own.
| | Phone Call Friday: After-Hours Advocacy That Makes An Impact
By Beth Porter, Membership Director
Join us for Phone Call Friday on Friday, April 24, from 5:30-6:30, at the HOPE Church, 1 Yount Drive, Bloomington. This League members-only event is also open to members' family. Bring your teen, spouse, or another family member who wants to learn alongside you.
This gathering will bring members together to learn about timely public issues, review talking points from trusted sources, and more. Come for learning, stay for the community, and take action together!
| | | | Drinks & Dialogue
May 6 Event
Come to the May 6th Drinks and Dialogue where Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington will share information about the Illinois TRUST Act and how it is implemented by the Bloomington Police Department.
In 2017, Illinois enacted the TRUST Act, a measure that limits state and local law enforcement’s participation in federal immigration enforcement. Come to get all of the facts on the Act, what it is and what it prescribes.
When: Wednesday, May 6
Where: Gill St. Sports Bar, 3002B Gill St, Bloomington
Time: Social time will be from 5:30 - 6:00; group conversation starts at 6:00 PM.
League members and members of the community are welcome. RSVP is encouraged.
| | | League Members’ Awards and Honors
We will periodically recognize league members’ honors, awards, and promotions. Be sure to give them a hearty congratulations when you see them!
|  | Chad Kahl was recognized by Illinois State’s Center for Civic Engagement Faculty Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has contributed significantly to incorporating civic engagement into their teaching, scholarly, and creative productivity and whose commitment to the public good and advancement of civic engagement within their discipline is clear. Chad has served on the Carnegie reclassification task force and has been a reviewer for CCE’s community resilience grants. Read more about Chad: Civic Engagement Awards
|  | Beth Porter received Illinois State University’s Civil Service Distinguished Service Award. It is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions by Civil Service staff. It is the highest non-faculty award presented to Civil Services staff at ISU. Read more about Beth: Civil Service Award
Photo courtesy of ISU | | |
 | | Karla Chandler-Huffman was named Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Heartland Community College. Karla is currently a faculty member at Heartland as a Professor of Communication and Faculty Coordinator of Civic Engagement. Read more about Karla: Heartland College Dean |  | Camille Taylor has been named one of McLean County’s History Makers for 2026 by the McLean County History Museum. Camille and her husband, Art, will be honored for their activism at the 14th Annual History Makers Gala on June 17th. Read more about Camille here: History Makers
Photo courtesy of McLean County Museum of History | | |
Why do People Protest?
by Faith Russell, Issues and Advocacy
This is the last in a series about the League of Women Voters and protesting.
Many in our community who oppose this administration’s policies and actions express those beliefs through protests and rallies. A few agreed to tell us why.
| | Voter Services and Gen Z Connect
by Kyle Ciani, Director of Voter Services
University communities, especially at Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College, are a large segment of McLean County's population. The League has long connected with their civic engagement units to register voters and support voting efforts. And thanks to new League members who fall within the Gen Z bracket—Caitlin Bradford, Erin Hastings, and Allie High— we are walking into new and diverse spaces.
Photo: from left Amy Jeck, Erin Hastings, and Caitlin Bradford brought great energy to ISU Pride's annual charity Drag Show. | | | | Welcome New Members!
Be sure to give Sarah Bliss and Sandy McGhee a League Welcome. They joined the League in March. | | | Discover the League, Find Your Place
New Member Orientation ~ Next Session May 2
by Beth Porter, Membership Director
Curious about the League of Women Voters of McLean County—or ready to get more involved? Join us for a friendly, low-pressure New Member Orientation designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to participate. Whether you’re brand new, returning after some time away, or simply want a clearer picture of how the League works, this session is for you.
Click on the link below for more information or to register. Contact Beth Porter at membership@lwvmclean.org with questions.
| Survey on Housing Needs
The Illinois Housing Development Authority has available a statewide survey on the Illinois Blueprint Housing Plan. It’s an important opportunity for stakeholders and community members to make our voice heard on housing needs and priorities for statewide housing plans.
Take a few minutes to fill out the survey.
| LWV in the News
Read LWVUS public statements about our actions to defend democracy.
Read LWVIL published news and media coverage.
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