2018 Issues Briefing Recap

February 10, 2018
Bridging Divides: Cultivating Common Ground for Action
University Center, Chicago

Over 150 dedicated league members and friends braved the snowy weather to get together and  explore ways to make democracy work better for individuals in our country at a time so many issues divide, distract and hamper progress toward getting anything done. 

Program
 
Speaker Bios

​2018 Status of Issues and Advocacy
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Plenary Session: Criminal Justice: Reforms Accomplished and Reforms Still Needed - Michael G. Nerheim, Lake County State's Attorney; Sharlyn Grace, Senior Policy Analyst and Staff Attorney Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice; Anthony Lowery, Director, Policy & Advocacy, Safer Foundation; Honorable State Senator Don Harmon.

Breakout Sessions - Click on the links to see the presentations: 

Cost of Segregation - Kendra Freeman, the Metropolitan Planning Council 
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Focusing Our Communities on a Common Goal: Clean, Clear, Safe, Abundant Water for Everyone - Beth Baranski, Galena River Watershed Plan Project Coordinator, LWV-Jo Davies County; Krista Grimm, President LWV Lake Michigan Region ILO; Rosemary Heilemann, LWV UMRR ILO. Additional handouts: Pike Root Watershed Fact Sheet;  Doing Things "The League Way" in Jo Daviess County. 

The Role of Property Taxes in Funding Education: Local, State and Federal Implications - Josh Aurand, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, Harlem School District 122, Machesney Park, IL; Ginger Ostro, Executive Director of Advance Illinois. 

Fair Tax Advocacy Toolbox - Alex Tindal Wiesendanger, Responsible Budget Coalition. Additional handouts: Peoples Budget Address Flyer; RBC Fair Tax Fact Sheet 2017; RBC Fair Tax Messaging Guide.

Public Health Approach to Preventing Firearm Injury and Death - Maryanne Mason, Assistant Research Professor, Northwestern University, Kathleen Conlon Wask, Director LWV Lake County                                                        

Making All Votes Count - Redistricting Update and Implementing Automatic Voter Registration - Cynthia Canary, nonprofit policy consultant; Abe Scarr, Director Illinois Public Interest Research Group.

ERA Advocacy and Activism - Honorable State Representative Lou Lang, Lead House ERA Sponsor.

Electoral College Position - handout available during event.​