Forward Illinois Calls On Legislators to Pass Key Progressive Priorities in Final Weeks of Session

Shortened 2020 legislative session, new leadership make passing a progressive agenda more imperative than ever before May 31.

SPRINGFIELD - Today, members of Forward Illinois - a coalition of major advocacy organizations and labor unions united around a progressive vision for our state - called on legislators to pass key progressive policy proposals to improve the lives of Illinoisans in the final weeks of session. The coalition sees a path for major progressive priorities to pass by May 31:

 Theses key bills include:

 SB818 - The Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Bill would require age-appropriate, inclusive, and comprehensive personal health and safety education in Illinois public schools. This instruction will equip all youth in public schools with the tools and information they need to lead healthy and safe lives.

 HB804 - The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) is a comprehensive plan to reach a 100% clean energy future while protecting consumers, holding utilities accountable, and prioritizing communities of color and those transitioning away from fossil fuels for jobs and new business opportunities.  CEJA was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee and awaits a vote by the full House. The Senate version (SB1718) has not yet been considered by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

 HB 1091 The Block Illegal Ownership and Fix the FOID bill closes dangerous loopholes in Illinois’s FOID law and expands life-saving background checks to all gun sales. This BIO bill also invests in community based mental health services for the communities most impacted by gun violence. 

HB1872 - Voting in Prison clarifies language in the Illinois constitution to allow people in prison to vote.

HB 3898 - The Healthy Workplace Act ensures all workers can earn up to 40 hours of leave per year. Too many low-wage workers, including essential workers, go to work sick because they cannot afford to take unpaid leave and fear losing their jobs if they do. Paid sick leave allows working people to regain their health, return to full productivity faster, and prevents the spread of illness in the workplace.  

Forward Illinois urges the full House and Senate to approve these bold proposals, and approve a budget that protects working families from harmful cuts.

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Participating members of Forward Illinois include Equality Illinois, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, Gun Violence Prevention Illinois, Local 881 UFCW, Chicago Votes Action Fund, SEIU Illinois State Council and SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana.