Time For Action: 2016 Action Alerts
November 28, 2016
RE: Veto Session Energy Legislation
ACTION NEEDED:
Please contact your state representative and senator today and let them know that these items must be part of any energy legislation that comes up in this week’s Veto Session:
We support these measures under the LWVUS Energy Position: support environmentally sound policies that reduce energy growth rates, emphasize energy conservation and encourage the use of renewable resources.
WHY IT MATTERS
Competing energy legislation has been on the table but only recently have the parties come together to merge their proposals into one package. LWVIL Clean Jobs Coalition partners have been at the negotiations, working to ensure that the final version includes measures that work for all of Illinois - ratepayers, and the utility companies - and include strong Renewable Portfolio Standards for electric utilities, energy efficiency, and net metering provisions that allow a broad range of people to participate in clean energy initiatives.
Just before Thanksgiving, Coalition partners announced that the most egregious elements of the bill had been removed including subsidies for coal-fired power plants and demand-response pricing that would harm consumers and end run the Illinois Commerce Commission, responsible for overseeing electric rate increases. The League of Women Voters of Illinois applauds these changes.
Definitions
Energy Efficiency Standards: establish specific, long-term targets for energy savings that utilities or non-utility program administrators must meet through customer energy efficiency programs. (Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)
Net Metering: a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. (Source: Solar Energy Industries Association)
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): requires utility companies to source a certain amount of the energy they generate or sell from renewable sources such as wind and solar and establishes incremental targets with increases over time. (Source: Solar Energy Industries Association)
July 18, 2016
RE: SB 1564 Health Care Right of Conscience Act
ACTION NEEDED:
Please ask Governor Rauner to sign SB 1564, legislation that requires patients be given accurate medical information and access to care even though it conflicts with a provider’s religious beliefs. The bill creates protection for both patient and provider.
Contact info: Toll-free phone: 217-782-0244
Email: http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/VoiceAnOpinion.aspx
Address: Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovRauner/
WHY IT MATTERS:
When a doctor, hospital or other provider refuses to give care or even pertinent information, the patient may be confidently unable to make an informed decision for needed care.
SB1564 amends the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act to require that patients be given information to make informed decisions about their care and how to access care when the provider will not based on his/her religious belief. The bill has protection for the provider through clear procedures as well as policies to protect them and their patients.
Under SB1564 health care providers can document religious objections to providing care if protocols are in place to ensure the patient is fully informed of the accepted standard of care for their condition, treatment options and where to obtain care. Many providers with religious objections, though not all, have such protocols in place already.
The LWV believes every US resident should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute care, long term care, and mental health care.
To read the full text of a bill, go to www.ilga.gov and enter the bill number in the search box on the left side of the page.
June 22,2016
ACTION NEEDED:
Contact your Legislators and the Governor to demand a fully-funded state budget by June 30. Then help us keep track of League calls by contacting issues@lwvil.org
Call your legislator toll free through the Responsible Budget Coalition at 1-844-311-CUTS (1-844-311-2887)
Hello. I am a constituent of Rep./Sen.__________. My name is______, My address is______, and my phone number is______. I am a member of the League of Women Voters, and I live in his/her district.
I'm calling to tell Rep./Sen.____________ that Illinois needs to pass a responsible budget before the fiscal year ends on June 30th. Partial funding bills can get desperately needed funding to struggling organizations so they can, in the short term, continue to operate. But, it's not enough - Illinois needs a year-long, fully funded budget that chooses revenue for our families, communities, and small businesses. Non-budget agendas shouldn't get in the way.
Optional message: A responsible budget is important to me and the League of Women Voters because essential human services are being harmed by the budget impasse and are important for communities and families to thrive.
Find your state legislators at http://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
Call Governor Rauner toll free at 217-782-0244
Hello, my name is______, my address is______, and my phone number is______. I am a member of the League of Women Voters of Illinois.
I'm calling to tell Governor Rauner that Illinois needs to pass a responsible budget before the fiscal year ends on June 30th. Partial funding bills can, in the short term, get desperately needed payments to struggling organizations so they can continue to operate. But, it's not enough - Illinois needs a year-long, fully funded budget that chooses revenue for our families, communities, and small businesses. Non-budget agendas shouldn't get in the way.
Optional message: a responsible budget is important to me and the League of Women Voters because essential human services are being harmed by the budget impasse and are needed for communities and families to thrive.
Finally, please send a message to issues@lwvil.org telling us who you contacted.
Note: These actions are supported by LWVIL Social Policy positions, including fiscal and educational funding.
May 18, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your state representative and urge her/him to support the adoption of a gun dealers' licensing law for Illinois; HB1016, Amendment 1 passed out of the Judiciary-Criminal Committee yesterday and is on its way to the House floor. A licensing law exists on the federal level and oversight is monitored by a federal agency - the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - once every 10 years.
WHY IT MATTERS:
While the vast majority of dealers operate responsibly, a small group of them are disproportionately responsible for the sale of guns that victimize 1,300 Americans every day.
90% of crimes where a gun is involved in the United States can be traced to only 5% of dealers. Guns purchased from only four gun dealers represent nearly 20% of all guns recovered from Chicago-area crime scenes.
HB1016 would include inspections of gun dealers, background checks of dealer employees and videotaping of sales to curtail or prevent straw purchases.
In addition to the human repercussion of gun violence on families and communities, the cost to taxpayers for every murder is 87% of $441,000.
92% of Illinois voters support requiring all gun dealers to be licensed by the state. The time to take action and save lives is NOW!
Find your State Representative athttp://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
May 2, 2016
ACTION NEEDED:
Please e-mail your Representative TODAY and ask him or her to vote "yes" on HJRCA 59
(in the House) - the Fair Tax Amendment - by clicking here: http://www.citizensfortaxreform.org/contactlegistaor/ where you will be directed to complete the e-mail which will go to your Representative.
WHY IT MATTERS: The League of Women Voters has endorsed the Fair Tax Amendment as a revenue option that squares with the League principles of no more budget cuts, adequate revenue and fairness.
The Fair Tax is an income tax system that imposes a higher rate on people with higher incomes and a lower rate for people with lower incomes. It is "fair" because it recognizes that differences exist in one's ability to help fund the important programs of the state. A Fair Tax is not only more fair, but it is also a smart way to raise revenue adequate to support the state budget. It is an important step towards resolving Illinois' chronic budget issues and producing responsible budgets every year.
The first step toward getting a Fair Tax is to amend the Illinois Constitution to allow it. Currently the constitution only allows a flat tax rate -- same for everyone regardless of income or ability to pay -- that fails to produce adequate revenue.
To get the necessary constitutional amendment on the November ballot, the Illinois General Assembly must pass a resolution with a 3/5 majority vote in both the House and Senate.
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 8 (HJRCA 59) must pass the House by Tuesday, May 3rd. Find the text here: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=59&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID=HJRCA&LegID=97428&SessionID=88#actions
Contact your legislators today to urge a "yes" vote for HJRCA 59 by clicking here
http://www.citizensfortaxreform.org/contactlegistaor/
April 18, 2016
1st ACTION NEEDED: Please contact Governor Rauner and ask him to SIGN SB2046
Earlier this month, League members asked Illinois Representatives to vote for a bill which would permit funding of human services in Illinois. Both the Senate and the House passed SB2046, and on April 13 it was sent to Governor Rauner, who is expected to veto it.
SB2046 authorizes funding for agencies addressing mental health, immigration, juvenile justice, homelessness, health access, along with other human service agencies addressing needs about which LWVIL acknowledges as essential. Once an Illinois budget is finalized and passed, the programs in SB2046 would be assured a place in the waiting line for funding which, of course, requires appropriation.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The League of Women Voters promotes social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. In addition, the Illinois League believes that the State should play the leading role in meeting the needs of children and their families. As a coalition member of the Responsible Budget Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Illinois supports:
Governor Rauner may be contacted:
2nd ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your legislators regarding a Constitutional Amendment to allow income to be taxed at graduated rates. Tell them that you and the League support a constitutional amendment that allows for a graduated rate income tax. Ask them to support HJRCA 59 or SJRCA 01 and HB 689
If 60% of the members of each chamber approve of the Constitutional Amendment, it will appear on the ballot in the November 8, 2016 election. The Constitutional Amendment will take effect when 60% of the people voting on the referendum approve it. There are two versions of the proposed Constitutional Amendment. Both versions will allow income to be taxed at graduated rates. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) supports both versions (HJRCA59 as well as SJRCA01).
HB 689 provides for the income tax rate structure that the state will use if the proposed Constitutional Amendment is approved by the voters. It is a graduated rate tax with lower rates for people with low incomes and gradually higher rates for people with higher incomes. LWVIL supports HB 689.
WHY IT MATTERS:
LWVIL has a position in favor of a graduated rate income tax, because it will be based on ability to pay so that those taxpayers with a greater ability pay a greater percentage of their income. (See Where We Stand, page 74). LWVIL has been working in favor of a graduated income tax since 1993 when it headed a coalition called Progress Illinois. In recent years, LWVIL has continued this effort with coalition partners. LWVIL has provided speakers and written letters and articles for news media. The current proposals to change the Illinois Constitution have the most favorable chance to get on the ballot since 1970.
HB 689 provides the rate schedule that is needed to show the voters how the proposed Constitutional Amendment will be implemented. It will bring needed new revenue to the state and it begins to cure the state's structural deficit. The current tax structure, including income, property and sales taxes, taxes poor and middle class taxpayers more heavily than wealthy taxpayers. HB 689 begins to change this. It will raise $1.9 billion in desperately needed new revenue but the proposed Constitutional Amendment must be approved by the voters first. It will also result in a tax cut for 99% of Illinois taxpayers.
Currently, HJRCA 59 and HB 689 are in the House and SB1 bill in the Senate.
3rd ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your legislators and ask them toSUPPORT HB3160
HB 3160 is similar to a domestic violence restraining order; it will empower immediate family members and/or law enforcement concerned about loved one(s) hurting themselves and/or others to petition the courts to remove firearms for a limited amount of time. Currently, the bill is in the House. If Representatives pass it, the bill will go on to the Senate.
Go here to find the bill's current status: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3160&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=89305&SessionID=88
WHY IT MATTERS:
The League of Women Voters supports violence prevention programs in all communities and action to support:
80 % of people considering suicide give some indication of their intention.
April 11, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please ask your State Representative to OPPOSE this bill
HB5918 would extend the renewal period for charters from 5 to 10 years.Most state charters are for 5 years. The bill would also triple state funded startup grants and loans for charter students from the current maximum of $500 per student to a new maximum of $1,500 per student.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The LWVIL charter school position states: Existing charter schools should be evaluated in incremental periods not to exceed five years (and preferably more frequently) for purposes of charter renewal. Go here for the LWVIL Updated Charter School position.
LWVIL believes that charter schools need to be monitored more frequently to address any problems or challenges affecting them.
Most states have a renewal period of 5 years and traditional public schools can be closed at any time.
In the absence of additional revenue for education, tripling the amount allocated per student in startup charters would simply divert money from existing underfunded schools. Illinois is not even currently funding the inadequate $6,119 per pupil. Increasing funding for students in charter schools without addressing fair and adequate funding of all schools serves to diminish educational opportunities for all students in our state.
April 4, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please ask your State Representative to co-sponsor and vote for both of these bills.
1) SB2059
The bill would authorize about $3 billion in state spending for those state agencies focusing on mental health, immigration, juvenile justice, homelessness, health access, and other human services addressing needs recognized as critical by the League of Women Voters of Illinois. Until a budget is passed and revenue is found, this bill would assure these programs would be in line for funding. So in addition, revenue must be allocated.
WHY IT MATTERS
The people who are most affected by the budget impasse and the lack of new revenue are the most vulnerable - those who do not have a strong voice in our state.
The League of Women Voters promotes social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. In addition, the Illinois League believes that the State should play the leading role in meeting the needs of children and their families. As a coalition member of the Responsible Budget Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Illinois supports:
The League supports raising new revenue by:
2) HB5576
Improves access to the full range of contraceptive options for all people with health insurance.
ACTION NEEDED
Please contact your State Representative and urge him or her to support HB5576 - the Illinois Contraceptive Coverage Act, to ensure adequate contraception for all.
This bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code by changing the section on coverage for contraceptives. It provides individual or group health policy coverage for all contraceptive drugs, devices, and other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the patient's care provider recommends a particular service or item, the insurance must provide it without cost sharing and must defer to the prescribing provider, and coverage must provide for the dispensing of 12 months' supply of the contraceptive at one time.
This bill will not require new state funds.
WHY IT MATTERS
Everyone is entitled to adequate birth control that is appropriate for their specific physical, circumstantial, and health requirements.
The LWV believes every US resident should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health).
February 16, 2016
ACTION NEEDED
Email Catherine McKenna, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, at Catherine.mckenna@parl.gc.ca with the sample letter below or using your own words.
Sample letter to Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:
Dear Minister McKenna,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Ontario Power Generation's plan to construct a deep geologic repository about 1 km from the shores of Lake Huron. Burying and abandoning radioactive nuclear waste right beside the Great Lakes is highly irresponsible. The fact that OPG didn't consider any other sites is simply unacceptable. The Great Lakes require your strong environmental leadership. Please reject this plan now.
Thank you for your consideration,
Yours truly,
WHY IT MATTERS:
On March 1, the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change will decide whether or not to approve the construction of a nuclear waste disposal site located about a half mile from the coast of Lake Huron. Hydrologically, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are one lake, and all of the Great Lakes are connected. The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for approximately 40 million people. Lake Michigan is the drinking water source for nearly 7 million Illinois residents.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has proposed the construction of a Deep Geologic Repository for low and medium level nuclear waste. OPG reports that most of the radioactive waste would be expected to decay within 300 years, while the remainder would decay over more than 100,000 years. This proposal presents a catastrophic risk to drinking water for millennia. Any geologic nuclear repository should be sited outside of the Great Lakes Basin.
For more information, please see http://www.stopthegreatlakesnucleardump.com/
February 9,2016
ACTION NEEDED
Ask your State Senator and Representative to OPPOSE using $305.2 million of special education funds in order to equalize the General State Aid formula.
WHY IT MATTERS
LWVIL Education Funding position: State funding levels should be sufficient to enable districts to provide for all students an education that meets both standards established by the State Board of Education and legislated mandates.
Federal law requires that the same amount or more be spent on special education each succeeding year for the state and for local school districts. Therefore, re-purposing special education funding in order to equalize funding among districts would simply mean that addressing special education needs would become a huge unfunded mandate in the state.
RE: Veto Session Energy Legislation
ACTION NEEDED:
Please contact your state representative and senator today and let them know that these items must be part of any energy legislation that comes up in this week’s Veto Session:
- High energy efficiency standards for all of Illinois
- Net metering - allowing a broad range of communities to participate in our Clean Energy future
- Strong Renewable Portfolio Standards
We support these measures under the LWVUS Energy Position: support environmentally sound policies that reduce energy growth rates, emphasize energy conservation and encourage the use of renewable resources.
WHY IT MATTERS
Competing energy legislation has been on the table but only recently have the parties come together to merge their proposals into one package. LWVIL Clean Jobs Coalition partners have been at the negotiations, working to ensure that the final version includes measures that work for all of Illinois - ratepayers, and the utility companies - and include strong Renewable Portfolio Standards for electric utilities, energy efficiency, and net metering provisions that allow a broad range of people to participate in clean energy initiatives.
Just before Thanksgiving, Coalition partners announced that the most egregious elements of the bill had been removed including subsidies for coal-fired power plants and demand-response pricing that would harm consumers and end run the Illinois Commerce Commission, responsible for overseeing electric rate increases. The League of Women Voters of Illinois applauds these changes.
Definitions
Energy Efficiency Standards: establish specific, long-term targets for energy savings that utilities or non-utility program administrators must meet through customer energy efficiency programs. (Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)
Net Metering: a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. (Source: Solar Energy Industries Association)
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): requires utility companies to source a certain amount of the energy they generate or sell from renewable sources such as wind and solar and establishes incremental targets with increases over time. (Source: Solar Energy Industries Association)
July 18, 2016
RE: SB 1564 Health Care Right of Conscience Act
ACTION NEEDED:
Please ask Governor Rauner to sign SB 1564, legislation that requires patients be given accurate medical information and access to care even though it conflicts with a provider’s religious beliefs. The bill creates protection for both patient and provider.
Contact info: Toll-free phone: 217-782-0244
Email: http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/VoiceAnOpinion.aspx
Address: Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovRauner/
WHY IT MATTERS:
When a doctor, hospital or other provider refuses to give care or even pertinent information, the patient may be confidently unable to make an informed decision for needed care.
SB1564 amends the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act to require that patients be given information to make informed decisions about their care and how to access care when the provider will not based on his/her religious belief. The bill has protection for the provider through clear procedures as well as policies to protect them and their patients.
Under SB1564 health care providers can document religious objections to providing care if protocols are in place to ensure the patient is fully informed of the accepted standard of care for their condition, treatment options and where to obtain care. Many providers with religious objections, though not all, have such protocols in place already.
The LWV believes every US resident should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute care, long term care, and mental health care.
To read the full text of a bill, go to www.ilga.gov and enter the bill number in the search box on the left side of the page.
June 22,2016
ACTION NEEDED:
Contact your Legislators and the Governor to demand a fully-funded state budget by June 30. Then help us keep track of League calls by contacting issues@lwvil.org
Call your legislator toll free through the Responsible Budget Coalition at 1-844-311-CUTS (1-844-311-2887)
Hello. I am a constituent of Rep./Sen.__________. My name is______, My address is______, and my phone number is______. I am a member of the League of Women Voters, and I live in his/her district.
I'm calling to tell Rep./Sen.____________ that Illinois needs to pass a responsible budget before the fiscal year ends on June 30th. Partial funding bills can get desperately needed funding to struggling organizations so they can, in the short term, continue to operate. But, it's not enough - Illinois needs a year-long, fully funded budget that chooses revenue for our families, communities, and small businesses. Non-budget agendas shouldn't get in the way.
Optional message: A responsible budget is important to me and the League of Women Voters because essential human services are being harmed by the budget impasse and are important for communities and families to thrive.
Find your state legislators at http://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
Call Governor Rauner toll free at 217-782-0244
Hello, my name is______, my address is______, and my phone number is______. I am a member of the League of Women Voters of Illinois.
I'm calling to tell Governor Rauner that Illinois needs to pass a responsible budget before the fiscal year ends on June 30th. Partial funding bills can, in the short term, get desperately needed payments to struggling organizations so they can continue to operate. But, it's not enough - Illinois needs a year-long, fully funded budget that chooses revenue for our families, communities, and small businesses. Non-budget agendas shouldn't get in the way.
Optional message: a responsible budget is important to me and the League of Women Voters because essential human services are being harmed by the budget impasse and are needed for communities and families to thrive.
Finally, please send a message to issues@lwvil.org telling us who you contacted.
Note: These actions are supported by LWVIL Social Policy positions, including fiscal and educational funding.
May 18, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your state representative and urge her/him to support the adoption of a gun dealers' licensing law for Illinois; HB1016, Amendment 1 passed out of the Judiciary-Criminal Committee yesterday and is on its way to the House floor. A licensing law exists on the federal level and oversight is monitored by a federal agency - the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - once every 10 years.
WHY IT MATTERS:
While the vast majority of dealers operate responsibly, a small group of them are disproportionately responsible for the sale of guns that victimize 1,300 Americans every day.
90% of crimes where a gun is involved in the United States can be traced to only 5% of dealers. Guns purchased from only four gun dealers represent nearly 20% of all guns recovered from Chicago-area crime scenes.
HB1016 would include inspections of gun dealers, background checks of dealer employees and videotaping of sales to curtail or prevent straw purchases.
In addition to the human repercussion of gun violence on families and communities, the cost to taxpayers for every murder is 87% of $441,000.
92% of Illinois voters support requiring all gun dealers to be licensed by the state. The time to take action and save lives is NOW!
Find your State Representative athttp://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
May 2, 2016
ACTION NEEDED:
Please e-mail your Representative TODAY and ask him or her to vote "yes" on HJRCA 59
(in the House) - the Fair Tax Amendment - by clicking here: http://www.citizensfortaxreform.org/contactlegistaor/ where you will be directed to complete the e-mail which will go to your Representative.
WHY IT MATTERS: The League of Women Voters has endorsed the Fair Tax Amendment as a revenue option that squares with the League principles of no more budget cuts, adequate revenue and fairness.
The Fair Tax is an income tax system that imposes a higher rate on people with higher incomes and a lower rate for people with lower incomes. It is "fair" because it recognizes that differences exist in one's ability to help fund the important programs of the state. A Fair Tax is not only more fair, but it is also a smart way to raise revenue adequate to support the state budget. It is an important step towards resolving Illinois' chronic budget issues and producing responsible budgets every year.
The first step toward getting a Fair Tax is to amend the Illinois Constitution to allow it. Currently the constitution only allows a flat tax rate -- same for everyone regardless of income or ability to pay -- that fails to produce adequate revenue.
To get the necessary constitutional amendment on the November ballot, the Illinois General Assembly must pass a resolution with a 3/5 majority vote in both the House and Senate.
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 8 (HJRCA 59) must pass the House by Tuesday, May 3rd. Find the text here: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=59&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID=HJRCA&LegID=97428&SessionID=88#actions
Contact your legislators today to urge a "yes" vote for HJRCA 59 by clicking here
http://www.citizensfortaxreform.org/contactlegistaor/
April 18, 2016
1st ACTION NEEDED: Please contact Governor Rauner and ask him to SIGN SB2046
Earlier this month, League members asked Illinois Representatives to vote for a bill which would permit funding of human services in Illinois. Both the Senate and the House passed SB2046, and on April 13 it was sent to Governor Rauner, who is expected to veto it.
SB2046 authorizes funding for agencies addressing mental health, immigration, juvenile justice, homelessness, health access, along with other human service agencies addressing needs about which LWVIL acknowledges as essential. Once an Illinois budget is finalized and passed, the programs in SB2046 would be assured a place in the waiting line for funding which, of course, requires appropriation.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The League of Women Voters promotes social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. In addition, the Illinois League believes that the State should play the leading role in meeting the needs of children and their families. As a coalition member of the Responsible Budget Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Illinois supports:
- Adequate revenue to support state priorities and make smart investments.
- No more cuts to vital programs and services.
- Fairness in raising revenue and making any cuts caused by failure to raise adequate revenue.
Governor Rauner may be contacted:
- Online at: http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/VoiceAnOpinion.aspx
- By mail at: Office of the Governor, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706
- By phone: (217) 782-0244
2nd ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your legislators regarding a Constitutional Amendment to allow income to be taxed at graduated rates. Tell them that you and the League support a constitutional amendment that allows for a graduated rate income tax. Ask them to support HJRCA 59 or SJRCA 01 and HB 689
If 60% of the members of each chamber approve of the Constitutional Amendment, it will appear on the ballot in the November 8, 2016 election. The Constitutional Amendment will take effect when 60% of the people voting on the referendum approve it. There are two versions of the proposed Constitutional Amendment. Both versions will allow income to be taxed at graduated rates. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) supports both versions (HJRCA59 as well as SJRCA01).
HB 689 provides for the income tax rate structure that the state will use if the proposed Constitutional Amendment is approved by the voters. It is a graduated rate tax with lower rates for people with low incomes and gradually higher rates for people with higher incomes. LWVIL supports HB 689.
WHY IT MATTERS:
LWVIL has a position in favor of a graduated rate income tax, because it will be based on ability to pay so that those taxpayers with a greater ability pay a greater percentage of their income. (See Where We Stand, page 74). LWVIL has been working in favor of a graduated income tax since 1993 when it headed a coalition called Progress Illinois. In recent years, LWVIL has continued this effort with coalition partners. LWVIL has provided speakers and written letters and articles for news media. The current proposals to change the Illinois Constitution have the most favorable chance to get on the ballot since 1970.
HB 689 provides the rate schedule that is needed to show the voters how the proposed Constitutional Amendment will be implemented. It will bring needed new revenue to the state and it begins to cure the state's structural deficit. The current tax structure, including income, property and sales taxes, taxes poor and middle class taxpayers more heavily than wealthy taxpayers. HB 689 begins to change this. It will raise $1.9 billion in desperately needed new revenue but the proposed Constitutional Amendment must be approved by the voters first. It will also result in a tax cut for 99% of Illinois taxpayers.
Currently, HJRCA 59 and HB 689 are in the House and SB1 bill in the Senate.
3rd ACTION NEEDED: Please contact your legislators and ask them toSUPPORT HB3160
HB 3160 is similar to a domestic violence restraining order; it will empower immediate family members and/or law enforcement concerned about loved one(s) hurting themselves and/or others to petition the courts to remove firearms for a limited amount of time. Currently, the bill is in the House. If Representatives pass it, the bill will go on to the Senate.
Go here to find the bill's current status: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3160&GAID=13&GA=99&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=89305&SessionID=88
WHY IT MATTERS:
The League of Women Voters supports violence prevention programs in all communities and action to support:
- public and private development and coordination of programs that emphasize the primary prevention of violence.
- the active role of government and social institutions in preventing violent behavior.
- the allocation of public monies in government programs to prevent violence.
80 % of people considering suicide give some indication of their intention.
April 11, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please ask your State Representative to OPPOSE this bill
HB5918 would extend the renewal period for charters from 5 to 10 years.Most state charters are for 5 years. The bill would also triple state funded startup grants and loans for charter students from the current maximum of $500 per student to a new maximum of $1,500 per student.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The LWVIL charter school position states: Existing charter schools should be evaluated in incremental periods not to exceed five years (and preferably more frequently) for purposes of charter renewal. Go here for the LWVIL Updated Charter School position.
LWVIL believes that charter schools need to be monitored more frequently to address any problems or challenges affecting them.
Most states have a renewal period of 5 years and traditional public schools can be closed at any time.
In the absence of additional revenue for education, tripling the amount allocated per student in startup charters would simply divert money from existing underfunded schools. Illinois is not even currently funding the inadequate $6,119 per pupil. Increasing funding for students in charter schools without addressing fair and adequate funding of all schools serves to diminish educational opportunities for all students in our state.
April 4, 2016
ACTION NEEDED: Please ask your State Representative to co-sponsor and vote for both of these bills.
1) SB2059
The bill would authorize about $3 billion in state spending for those state agencies focusing on mental health, immigration, juvenile justice, homelessness, health access, and other human services addressing needs recognized as critical by the League of Women Voters of Illinois. Until a budget is passed and revenue is found, this bill would assure these programs would be in line for funding. So in addition, revenue must be allocated.
WHY IT MATTERS
The people who are most affected by the budget impasse and the lack of new revenue are the most vulnerable - those who do not have a strong voice in our state.
The League of Women Voters promotes social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. In addition, the Illinois League believes that the State should play the leading role in meeting the needs of children and their families. As a coalition member of the Responsible Budget Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Illinois supports:
- Adequate revenue to support state priorities and make smart investments.
- No more cuts to vital programs and services.
- Fairness in raising revenue and making any cuts caused by failure to raise adequate revenue.
The League supports raising new revenue by:
- Raising income tax rates
- Expanding the sales tax base to include services
- Refinancing the state's debt
- Taxing retirement income
2) HB5576
Improves access to the full range of contraceptive options for all people with health insurance.
ACTION NEEDED
Please contact your State Representative and urge him or her to support HB5576 - the Illinois Contraceptive Coverage Act, to ensure adequate contraception for all.
This bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code by changing the section on coverage for contraceptives. It provides individual or group health policy coverage for all contraceptive drugs, devices, and other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the patient's care provider recommends a particular service or item, the insurance must provide it without cost sharing and must defer to the prescribing provider, and coverage must provide for the dispensing of 12 months' supply of the contraceptive at one time.
This bill will not require new state funds.
WHY IT MATTERS
Everyone is entitled to adequate birth control that is appropriate for their specific physical, circumstantial, and health requirements.
The LWV believes every US resident should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health).
February 16, 2016
ACTION NEEDED
Email Catherine McKenna, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, at Catherine.mckenna@parl.gc.ca with the sample letter below or using your own words.
Sample letter to Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:
Dear Minister McKenna,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Ontario Power Generation's plan to construct a deep geologic repository about 1 km from the shores of Lake Huron. Burying and abandoning radioactive nuclear waste right beside the Great Lakes is highly irresponsible. The fact that OPG didn't consider any other sites is simply unacceptable. The Great Lakes require your strong environmental leadership. Please reject this plan now.
Thank you for your consideration,
Yours truly,
WHY IT MATTERS:
On March 1, the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change will decide whether or not to approve the construction of a nuclear waste disposal site located about a half mile from the coast of Lake Huron. Hydrologically, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are one lake, and all of the Great Lakes are connected. The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for approximately 40 million people. Lake Michigan is the drinking water source for nearly 7 million Illinois residents.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has proposed the construction of a Deep Geologic Repository for low and medium level nuclear waste. OPG reports that most of the radioactive waste would be expected to decay within 300 years, while the remainder would decay over more than 100,000 years. This proposal presents a catastrophic risk to drinking water for millennia. Any geologic nuclear repository should be sited outside of the Great Lakes Basin.
For more information, please see http://www.stopthegreatlakesnucleardump.com/
February 9,2016
ACTION NEEDED
Ask your State Senator and Representative to OPPOSE using $305.2 million of special education funds in order to equalize the General State Aid formula.
WHY IT MATTERS
LWVIL Education Funding position: State funding levels should be sufficient to enable districts to provide for all students an education that meets both standards established by the State Board of Education and legislated mandates.
Federal law requires that the same amount or more be spent on special education each succeeding year for the state and for local school districts. Therefore, re-purposing special education funding in order to equalize funding among districts would simply mean that addressing special education needs would become a huge unfunded mandate in the state.
