Candidate Forums Scheduled

The following forums have been scheduled for the lead-up to the March 20th primary election. Mark your calendar now - these should be good!

Sunday, February 19, at 1:30 p.m.
Lake Bluff Elementary School, 350 W. Washington, Lake Bluff

• 58th District State Representative (2 candidates)
• 29th District State Senate (2 candidates)
• 13th District Lake County Board (6 candidates)

Sunday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m.
Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. West, Highland Park

• 58th District State Representative (2 candidates)
• 29th District State Senate (2 candidates)
• 10th Congressional District (5 candidates)

Sunday, March 4, at 1:30 p.m.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 W. Old Mill Rd., Lake Forest

• 12th District Lake County Board (2 candidates)
• Lake County State's Attorney (6 candidates)
• Coroner (2 candidates)
• Circuit Court Clerk (2 candidates)
• Recorder (2 candidates)

Challenges to Reproductive Health

Pam Sutherland, Vice President for Public Policy, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, will address members and guests on Sunday, January 29th, at 4:00 p.m. at a private home.

Sutherland will provide an update on the challenges to women's reproductive health care in Illinois and throughout the country. Illinois and other states have witnessed an unprecedented amount of proposed legislation that would further curtail women's access to affordable health care services, health education, birth control, reproductive choices, and emergency care. Some of these initiatives have received considerable national attention. Thirty-six states passed a record number of 135 restrictive legislative provisions in 2011.

Facts and consequences will be discussed over wine and refreshments. We look forward to an informative program. Member invitations are in the mail.

Holiday Luncheon on December 9th Was a Delightful Start to the Holiday Season!

Our annual Holiday Luncheon on December 9th at the Grille on Laurel was well attended and thoroughly enjoyable. Attendees caught up with fellow League members, enjoyed a delicious Grille lunch, and heard a number of fascinating and beautifully told winter myths and folktales presented by Megan Wells, dramatic storyteller.

Click here to see more photos!

Susan Garrett, Julie Morrison,
Barbara Monsor, Jane Partridge,
and Alicia Lydon

Tracy Burns, Joan Kaltsas,
Ann Hamlin, Jean Brown,
and Carol Gilbert

National Study: The Role of the Federal Government in Public Education

LWV-LFLB is doing its part in the LWVUS study on education. In conjunction with the Leagues of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood and Deerfield, we held a panel discussion on November 2nd at the Highland Park County Club that was very information, balanced, and well-attended. Speakers were Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; Dr. Sue Hebson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for High School District 113; and Kathy Ryg, President of Voices for Illinois Children. If you missed it, you can watch the video below.

The next step in the process was a meeting of our members to discuss and come to consensus on an extensive list of questions provided by the national study group. That meeting was held on November 7th. LWVUS will use the consensus information from local Leagues across the country to develop a position on the role of the federal government in public education.

Legislative Update - State of the State Program

We spent an enlightening evening with State Sen. Susan Garrett and State Rep. Karen May on Friday, October 14th, at 7:00 pm at the Lake Bluff Park District Community Room. The legislators gave us their perspective on topics such as pensions, budget, jobs, tax increases, and Route 53.

See the video below.

Click here for more LWV-LFLB news & recent events!