Representatives from 34 Illinois Leagues met for the LWVIL’s 53rd
State Convention from June 22 – 24 in Matteson, IL. The theme of the
convention was “Strengthening Our Roots and Branching Out."
Business of the Convention
Convention business flowed smoothly as proposed Bylaw amendments were passed
with one minor adjustment; proposed Budgets for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 were
approved; and the slated Officers and Directors for 2007-2009 were elected by
voice vote. The PMP (per-member-payment) for 2007-2008 remains at $24; however,
the following year, 2008-2009, it will increase to $26.
Program
Discussion of the recommended position on Immigration and consideration
of a not recommended program item on Judicial Evaluation aroused a bit
of controversy and discussion. Several sentences in the proposed Immigration
position were divided into separate bullet points for emphasis before
the position gained delegates’ approval. Sponsors of the Judicial
Evaluation item ultimately asked delegates to approve it, not
as a Program item needing concurrence, but as an Action item based on
the Making Democracy Work action focus. Thus, the LWVIL agreed to promote the formation of
a Judicial Evaluation Commission that will provide the public with reliable
nonpartisan information about the judges for whom they vote.
More information on these issues:
Immigration Position
Brief Background on Judicial Evaluation Commission
Our current Government, Natural Resources,
and Social Policy positions were readopted. The Action
foci for 2007-2009 will be Funding of Public Education and Social Services,
and Making Democracy Work. We will also explore the need for a new State
Constitutional Convention in 2010, which will be submitted to voters on
the November 2008 ballot.
Awards
At the Friday night dinner the 2007 LWVIL Making a Difference
Award was presented to the Elmhurst League. Eight Leagues (Champaign
Student Unit, Chicago, Elmhurst, Geneva-St. Charles, Glenview, Oak Park,
Rockford, and Wheaton) received Spotlight on Success 2007
awards. The featured speaker of the evening was State Senator and majority leader Debbie Halvorson,
who entertained us with her spirited description of the workings of the
Illinois legislature and other topics.
Saturday’s dinner featured the Carrie Chapman Catt
awards, which were presented to former LWVIL president Janet Otwell and
League and community activist Barbara Moore. Congressman Jesse Jackson
Jr. was the main speaker of the evening, and later Aaron Freeman had everyone
laughing with his off-beat political humor.
Paula Lawson, LWVIL president, presided over the evening
programs, as well as the plenary sessions, and Judy Davis,
LWVUS Board member, addressed the convention and was available for consultation
right up to adjournment. |
