Tuesday, May 16 - Witness Slip Roundup / Political Happy Hour (5/18)
Action You Can Take Today
Action 1: Sign these progressive witness slips - see details on all the bills
HB3093, Menstrual Products - Public Restrooms (proponent)
HB1286, Equitable Restrooms - All Gender (proponent)
HJR20, Affirm Equal Rights Amendment (proponent)
SB90, Racism-Free Schools Act (proponent)
SB333 - Assault Survivor Reporting (proponent)
Action 2: The Blue Beginning/Indivisible Chicago Political Happy Hour on Thursday, May 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hideout
Action 1: Witness Slip Roundup
Illinois’ unique system of witness slips makes it easy for citizens to weigh in on important bills quickly using an online form. Before a bill is heard in the Illinois General Assembly, the chairperson will read who has submitted witness slips and whether they support or oppose the bill. This helps inform legislators as to where Illinoisans and organizations stand before voting. Witness slips are a great and relatively quick way to make your voice heard in state government.
Here are a few important bills collecting witness slips for hearings this week. See a description of the bills from She Vote IL.
Due Wednesday - HB3093, Menstrual Products - Public Restrooms (proponent). Amends the Equitable Restrooms Act to provide that female and gender-neutral public restrooms open to the public shall include menstrual products at no cost to the users of that public restroom.
Due Wednesday - HB1286, Equitable Restrooms - All Gender (proponent). Allows public and private entities to implement gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms if they want.
Due Wednesday - HJR20, Affirm Equal Rights Amendment (proponent). Urges the Administration of President Biden to publish without delay the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Urges Congress to pass a joint resolution affirming the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment. Calls on other states to join in this action by passing the same or similar resolutions.
Due Thursday - SB90, Racism-Free Schools Act (proponent). To prevent and address racial harassment in schools. Learn more here: Factsheet
Due Thursday - SB333 - Assault Survivor Reporting (proponent). Creates procedures for a medical facility, physician, or nurse to report a sexual assault when the sexual assault survivor requests treatment at the medical facility.
Witness Slip Instructions:
I. IDENTIFICATION: with your information. In the Firm/Business or Agency Box and in the Title Box, identify as "Self."
II. REPRESENTATION: as "Self" (unless you actually are representing an organization)
III. POSITION: select "PROPONENT"
IV. TESTIMONY: select "Record of Appearance Only
Never miss another slip! Join The Witness Slip Project and make sure you turn your notification settings to All Posts.
Action via She Votes IL
Action 1: The Blue Beginning/Indivisible Chicago Political Happy Hour (5/18)
Blue Thursday is a monthly mixer for local activists and political insiders. We gather at the Hideout to have a drink, a chat, and a chance to hear from pols, pundits, and reporters who know what's going on, or at least pretend to know.
This month we'll be talking about politics and the news of the day with our special guests Eric Zorn, late of the Tribune, now the publisher, editor, and entire staff of the Picayune Sentinel on Substack; and Brandon Pope of WBEZ and WCIU 26, where he's a reporter, anchor and host of Block Club's On the Block Chicago. Doors open at 5, program starts at 6. Free and open to all, but please get a ticket.
Register to attend The Blue Beginning/Indivisible Chicago Political Happy Hour on Thursday, May 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hideout, and share the event on Facebook.
While some of these Daily Actions come from our own work as Indivisible Chicago Alliance, others are from our many partners working to advance the progressive agenda. We invite you to join us in supporting their work. Postings from partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.