PPIA Congratulates Bruce Rauner on Election Win

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Congratulates Bruce Rauner on Election Win

Chicago (11/5/14) — Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, congratulates Bruce Rauner for winning the race for Governor of Illinois.

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“During his candidacy, Bruce Rauner repeatedly said he was pro-choice. He also said he supports employer-based insurance coverage for birth control,” said Carole Brite, President and CEO of PPIA. “We welcome the opportunity to work with Governor-elect Rauner to ensure that pro-choice policies are supported during his term.”

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In order to reduce unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy, all women must have access to a broad range of women’s healthcare services including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, breast health services, Pap tests, sexual health education, information and counseling.

“We hope that Bruce Rauner will strengthen the Illinois Medicaid and Illinois Family Planning Programs to make sure that low-income women have access to quality, comprehensive reproductive healthcare. We urge Mr. Rauner to appoint leaders to state agencies who understand how important these programs are to Illinois women and their families,” added Brite. “And, we look forward to working with him to explore ways of ensuring that Illinois women who lack adequate employer-based health insurance have access to affordable birth control.”

In addition to access to reproductive health services, PPIA supports the implementation of a new sexual health education law which requires instruction in public schools to be medically accurate, age-appropriate, evidence-based, and complete.

“Illinois youth need to have accurate and comprehensive information, including birth control information, in order to stay safe and healthy,” commented Brite. “We know Bruce Rauner expressed interest in the education of Illinois youth and we urge him to support the implementation of quality, complete sexual health education in all of Illinois’ public schools.”

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is committed to working with Governor-elect Rauner on implementing these policies, protecting women’s healthcare in Illinois, and making sure all women throughout the state have equal access to vital reproductive healthcare services.

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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). For more information, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
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PPIA Celebrates IL Voters Support of Birth Control Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Celebrates Illinois Voters Support of
Birth Control Coverage

Chicago (11/5/14) — Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, applauds the two-thirds of Illinois voters who marked “Yes” for insurance coverage of birth control on Tuesday’s ballot.

The General Election ballot included the following advisory question:

Shall any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage be required to include prescription birth control as part of that coverage?

“On Tuesday, Illinois voters sent an overwhelming and resounding message when it comes to birth control coverage in health insurance,” said Carole Brite, President and CEO of PPIA. “It’s not your boss’ business!”

PPIA heard its supporters’ outrage after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Hobby Lobby decision and turned this into action in favor of a “Yes” for birth control. PPIA implemented a comprehensive campaign for Illinois Votes for Birth Control through canvassing, direct mail, phone banks, social media, and email alerts to 200,000 supporters informing them of the ballot question and urging them to vote ‘Yes’ for birth control coverage.

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“Planned Parenthood Illinois Action played a pivotal role in the outcome by turning out thousands of supporters who voted ‘Yes’,” added Brite. “During the weeks before Election Day, we consistently received positive feedback and support for the birth control question. This issue clearly resonated with voters.”

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In June, the Hobby Lobby decision allowed some for-profit corporations to deny their employees’ health insurance coverage for birth control because of their boss’ religious beliefs. The women who work for these companies are at risk of losing an important part of their preventive healthcare coverage. In light of the Hobby Lobby decision, PPIA urged Illinois voters to vote “Yes” on Tuesday so that elected officials would understand that birth control coverage is an important issue for Illinoisans.

“Preventive care, including birth control, is basic healthcare for women — and the decision to use birth control is a conversation between a woman and her doctor, not a woman and her boss,” commented Brite. “We hope that Tuesday’s vote in favor of insurance coverage for birth control will give policy makers the support they need to implement policies ensuring that all Illinois women have access to affordable birth control no matter where they live, who they work for, or how much money they make.”

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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). For more information, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces Political Endorsements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces Political Endorsements

Chicago (10/16/14) — Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, today announced endorsements for the November 4 general election. PPIA made endorsements in races for the U. S. Senate, U. S. House of Representatives, statewide offices, Cook County Board President, the Illinois Senate, and the Illinois House of Representatives.

PPIA endorsed Richard Durbin for the U. S. Senate.

“Senator Dick Durbin is an outstanding leader on access to women’s healthcare,” said Pam Sutherland, Vice President of Public Policy and Education of PPIA.

PPIA endorsed the following candidates for Congress:

•  Bobby Rush (D-1)
•  Robin Kelly (D-2)
•  Luis Gutierrez (D-4)
•  Mike Quigley (D-5)
•  Danny Davis (D-7)
•  Tammy Duckworth (D-8)
•  Janice Schakowsky (D-9)
•  Brad Schneider (D-10)
•  Bill Foster (D-11)
•  Ann Callis (D-13)
•  Cheri Bustos (D-17)

“Seeing the repeated attacks on women’s healthcare in the Congress, we know the importance of electing candidates who clearly support access to reproductive healthcare, including birth control and abortion services,” said Pam Sutherland. “It is essential that we elect these candidates because we know they will stand up for women, no matter what.”

PPIA endorsed these candidates for statewide office:

•  Pat Quinn for Governor
•  Paul Vallas for Lt. Governor
•  Lisa Madigan for Attorney General
•  Jesse White for Secretary of State
•  Sheila Simon for Comptroller
•  both Michael Frerichs and Tom Cross for Treasurer

PPIA also endorsed Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President. 

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“These candidates understand that they cannot make a personal health decision for someone else,” commented Sutherland. “They respect the complicated, deeply private healthcare decisions women make in consultation with their qualified medical providers.”  

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PPIA endorsed these candidates for the Illinois Senate:

•  Mattie Hunter (D-3)
•  John Cullerton (D-6)
•  Daniel Biss (D-9)
•  Suzanne Glowiak (D-24)
•  Terry Link (D-30)
•  Mike Jacobs (D-36)
•  Don Harmon (D-39)
•  Linda Holmes (D-42)
•  James Clayborne, Jr. (D-57)

“The members of the Illinois General Assembly have the power to make policies that directly impact access to women’s healthcare,” added Sutherland. “These candidates know that in order to reduce unintended pregnancies and keep women healthy, all women must have access to a broad range of women’s healthcare services including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, breast health services, Pap tests, sexual health education, information and counseling.”

PPIA endorsed these candidates for the Illinois House:

Daniel Burke (D-1); Edward Acevedo (D-2); Luis Arroyo (D-3); Cynthia Soto (D-4); Kenneth Dunkin (D-5); Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-7); Arthur Turner (D-9); Pamela Reaves-Harris (D-10); Ann Williams (D-11); Sara Feigenholtz (D-12); Gregory Harris (D-13); Kelly Cassidy (D-14); Lou Lang (D-16); Laura Fine (D-17); Robyn Gabel (D-18); Robert Martwick (D-19); Mo Khan (D-20); Silvana Tabares (D-21); Michael Zalewski (D-23); Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez (D-24); Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25); Christian Mitchell (D-26); Monique Davis (D-27); Robert Rita (D-28); Thaddeus Jones (D-29); William Davis (D-30); Marcus Evans, Jr. (D-33); Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-34); Frances Ann Hurley (D-35); Nichole Serbin (D-37); Al Riley (D-38); Will Guzzardi (D-39); Jaime Andrade, Jr. (D-40); Anna Moeller (D-43); Fred Crespo (D-44); Jenny Burke (D-45); Deb Conroy (D-46); Valerie Burd (D-50); Bill Downs (D-52); Martin Moylan (D-55); Michelle Mussman (D-56); Elaine Nekritz (D-57); Scott Drury (D-58); Carol Sente (D-59); Loren Karner (D-61); Sam Yingling (D-62); Jack Franks (D-63); Litesa Wallace (D-67); Mike Smiddy (D-71); Patrick Verschoore (D-72); Martha Shugart (D-75); Kathleen Willis (D-77); Camille Lilly (D-78); Anthony DeLuca (D-80); Elizabeth Chaplin (D-81); Stephanie Kifowit (D-84); Emily McAsey (D-85); Lawrence Walsh, Jr. (D-86); Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-92); Moira Dunn (D-97); Natalie Manley (D-98); Carol Ammons (D-103); Jay Hoffman (D-113); Eddie Lee Jackson (D-114).

PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect the reproductive health and rights of women, teens and families. All pro-choice/pro-Planned Parenthood incumbents receive an endorsement regardless of the position of the opponent. To see the full list of PPIA-endorsed candidates online, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Voters can now access information about candidates in one place with the newly launched online Voter Guide, a voter education tool built by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and other Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations across the country. The online Voter Guide has been optimized for both desktop computers and mobile devices, so that voters in Illinois can take information and ratings on where candidates stand on issues of importance to women right into the voting booth. To access the Voter Guide, visit www.ppactionvoterguide.org.

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Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800

__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Endorses Pat Quinn for Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action Announces
Endorsement of Pat Quinn for Governor

Chicago (10/16/14) —Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois, today announced its endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn for the November 4th election.

“Governor Pat Quinn has been upfront on his positions for his entire career. Pat Quinn knows that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman,” said Pam Sutherland, Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “Quinn has always trusted women and believes politicians cannot make private medical decisions for us.”

PPIA considers a candidate’s record to be a true measure of his or her positions when it comes to access to women’s health care. On the day of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby case, Pat Quinn came out strongly for insurance coverage of birth control for all women no matter where they work.

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“Governor Quinn thinks basic preventive health care is a right for all women,” said Sutherland. “He knows that it’s not your boss’ business.”

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Governor Quinn made sure that all those receiving health care through Medicaid have access to a full range of family planning services. In addition, Pat Quinn believes that youth need accurate information to stay safe and healthy. Therefore, he signed into law important updates to Illinois’ sexual health education law ensuring that sex education classes are medically accurate, age-appropriate, and complete.

“Seeing the repeated attacks on women’s healthcare across the country, we know the importance of electing candidates who clearly support access to reproductive health care, including birth control and abortion services,” said Pam Sutherland. “It is essential that we elect candidates like Pat Quinn who we know will stand up for women, no matter what.”

PPIA engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy on behalf of commonsense policies that protect the reproductive health and rights of women, teens and families. All pro-choice/pro-Planned Parenthood incumbents receive an endorsement regardless of the position of the opponent. To see the full list of PPIA endorsed candidates online, visit www.ppiaction.org.

Voters can now access information about candidates in one place with the newly launched online Voter Guide, a voter education tool built by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and other Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations across the country. The online Voter Guide has been optimized for both desktop computers and mobile devices, so that voters in Illinois can take information and ratings on where candidates stand on issues of importance to women right into the voter booth. To access the Voter Guide, visit www.ppactionvoterguide.org.

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Contact:
Jacqueline Priego
312-592-6800

__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

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Campaign Spotlight: Danny Davis

Danny Davis
Democrat
United States House, 7th Congressional District of Illinois
Email: dannykdavis.com/contact
Website: dannykdavis.com
Issues: Poverty, Health Care, Education, Criminal Justice Reform

Danny Davis is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Danny Davis knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Danny Davis has a 100% voting record in support of PPIA issues. It is not enough for Congressman Davis to just vote on women's health issues; Congressman Davis is a leader. In 2001, Chicagoan Melanie Blocker-Stokes jumped to her death because she was suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis. Davis reacted to this tragedy by co-sponsoring legislation to fund postpartum depression research and services. Because of this stellar record, Davis should return to Congress so that he can continue his leadership on women's issues.

Biography:
Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996 and he has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses.

In the 112th Congress, Representative Davis has indicated a focus on issues of poverty, health care, education, youth and criminal justice reform. Representative Davis serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and the National Archives. The Congressman also serves on the Homeland Security Committee where his subcommittee assignments are the Subcommittee on Transportation and the Subcommittee on Oversight. Congressman Davis is a member of several Congressional Caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Urban Caucus, the Community Health Center's Caucus, and the Congressional Sugar Caucus.

Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. He has developed a unique and energetic style of communication and interaction with his constituents setting up dozens of advisory task forces to consider significant questions of public policy. He hosts several weekly television and radio shows which feature audience call in and produces regular written reports to every household in the district. In addition, he maintains weekly office hours in the district and is widely sought after as a speaker at district events.

Prior to his election to the Congress he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners having been elected in November 1990 and reelected in November 1994. Previously, he served for eleven years as a member of the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 29th Ward. Before seeking public office Congressman Davis had productive careers as an educator, community organizer, health planner/administrator and civil rights advocate.

Born in Parkdale, Arkansas, on September 6, 1941, Congressman Davis moved to the Westside of Chicago in 1961, after having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas A.M.N. College. He subsequently earned both Masters and Doctorate degrees from Chicago State University and the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is married to Vera G. Davis, has two sons, Jonathan and Stacey, and is a member and Deacon of the New Galilee M.B. Church.
See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Danny Davis, Election

Campaign Spotlight: Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush
Democrat
United States House, 1st Congressional District of Illinois
Email: rush.house.gov/contact-me 
Website: rush.house.gov
Issues: Education, Jobs, Transit, Small Businesses, Energy Efficiency, Soldiers and Veterans

Bobby Rush is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Bobby Rush knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Bobby Rush has a 100% voting record in support of PPIA issues. It is not enough for Congressman Rush to just vote on women's health issues; Congressman Rush is a leader. In 2001, Chicagoan Melanie Blocker-Stokes jumped to her death because she was suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis. Davis reacted to this tragedy by co-sponsoring legislation to fund postpartum depression research and services. Because of this stellar record, Davis should return to Congress so that he can continue his leadership on women's issues.

Biography:
From his very first year in office, Rush focused on issues of importance to low-income and middle-class families and communities. As a freshman in the 103rd Congress, Rush introduced bills on issues as diverse as Conflict Resolution and Mediation to Public Pensions and Community Development. Rush’s track record of leadership on energy issues and his support for small business while serving as an alderman in the Chicago City Council paved the way for him to gain a seat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee in his second term.

Key pieces of legislation that Rush crafted surrounding postpartum depression, women’s health, and prescription drug offsets were adopted in the landmark health care legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Because of Rush’s leadership over the years on a range of small business issues and community-based lending, Rush was chosen to serve as a conferee as part of the final, bipartisan deliberative process that led to the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Rush fought hard to help ensure that low-income and middle-class consumers would never again fall prey to the ill-conceived, predatory financial practices that led to the near epic collapse of U. S. financial markets in 2008.

During his tenure, Rush has brought more than one billion dollars to the First Congressional District. Through his determined advocacy for the district, he has obtained funding for construction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, and the recently completed Lovana S. ‘Lou’ Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station for which he was able to obtain a $4.9 million federal grant that helped ensure the project’s completion. Over the years he has obtained millions of dollars in grants for libraries, museums, municipalities, police departments, hospitals, schools, and programs that support the arts.

Today, Rush continues to carve an effective course of sound legislative leadership that protects consumers, supports our military personnel, creates jobs, expands businesses, and promotes America’s national energy policy. As Rush looks to the future, the needs and interests of the people he serves in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois remain front and center.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Bobby Rush, Election

Campaign Spotlight: Luis Gutierrez

Luis Gutierrez
Democrat
United States House, 4th Congressional District of Illinois
Email: gutierrez.house.gov/contact-me
Website: gutierrez.house.gov
Issues: Immigrants, Veterans, Transit, Financial Literacy

Luis Gutierrez is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Luis Gutierrez knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Luis Gutierrez has a 100% voting record on PPIA issues. It is not enough for Congressman Gutierrez to just vote on women's health issues; Congressman Gutierrez is a leader. After hearing of the numerous reports that military women experience a high risk for sexual assault and abuse during their service, Congressman Gutierrez sponsored legislation that would require VA hospitals to provide counseling and sexual-trauma care to any female veteran who requests it. Because of this stellar record, Gutierrez should return to Congress so that he can continue his leadership on women's issues.

Biography:
Now in his tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Luis Gutierrez has established himself as an effective legislator and energetic spokesman on behalf of his constituents in Illinois' Fourth District in the heart of Chicago. At the same time, Gutierrez's tireless leadership championing the causes of the Latino and immigrant communities has led to greater responsibilities within the U.S. Congress and has earned him widespread acclaim throughout the country.

As the first Latino to be elected to Congress from the Midwest, Gutierrez sought opportunities to address long-standing needs facing Latinos and immigrants in his diverse Congressional district, which is home to large and established communities of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere. During his first term in office in 1992, he led the fight to expand citizenship education and English language proficiency programs for newly-arrived immigrants. In Chicago, he has held citizenship workshops offering comprehensive assistance to prospective citizens that have helped more than 50,000 people take the first steps toward citizenship.

On the national level, there is no elected official more committed or more passionate about protecting and advocating for our nation's immigrant community than Representative Gutierrez. He has been at the forefront of the effort to pass historic, bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform legislation and helped guide the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act to passage in the House of Representatives in 2010.

Because of the Congressman's outstanding work on immigration issues, he was appointed Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force and has previously served as Chair of the Democratic Caucus Immigration Task Force. He is the Democratic Party's leading strategist and spokesperson on immigration issues. During the 110th and 111th Congress, he served as a Member of the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law Subcommittee.

As a former member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rep. Gutierrez took the lead in calling for greater funding for Veterans health research and his hard work was instrumental in securing $92 million additional dollars for medical research, including tens of millions of dollars for prosthetics programs. While serving on the V.A. Committee, Gutierrez became the champion of victims of sexual trauma by winning passage of legislative language to provide counsel and treat veterans for sexual trauma. He continues to be a strong advocate for ensuring that Illinois veterans receive ample health benefits for their service. Gutierrez also led the fight to help Veterans affected by Agent Orange and his efforts resulted in the broadening of the eligibility and benefits now extended to those exposed to high levels of radiation during their tour of duty. Recently, he has championed the cause of military families and dependents facing separation or deportation because of America's inadequate and inflexible immigration laws.

Mass transit issues have also played a prominent role in Gutierrez' agenda. He secured more than $320 in federal dollars to reconstruct the aging Douglas Branch of the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line, the "L" route which runs through the southwest side and suburbs in his district. He also introduced legislation offering tax credits to commuters who use public transit on a full-time basis. Gutierrez joined community and business leaders to implement creative ridership incentive programs and to press for the restoration of full service on the CTA.

Gutierrez was born in Chicago on December 10, 1953 and later moved to Puerto Rico, his parent's birthplace, before returning to Chicago to attend college. He graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977 with a degree in English and worked as a teacher, social worker, cab driver, community activist, and city official until his election in 1986 as Alderman from the city's 26th ward. In the Chicago City Council, he led the fight for affordable housing, tougher ethics rules, and a law to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and was a key lieutenant in Mayor Harold Washington's progressive multi-ethnic coalition. Representative Gutierrez and his wife Soraida have two daughters, Omaira and Jessica, and a grandson, Luisito.
See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.

_________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Luis Gutierrez, Election

Stand with Tammy Duckworth and Jackie Speier

STAND WITH TAMMY DUCKWORTH AND JACKIE SPEIER TOMORROW

Tammy Duckworth, a PPIA endorsed candidate running for US Congress in Illinois’ 8th District, supports safe and legal abortion unlike her opponent Congressman Joe Walsh, who was quoted on Thursday, October 18, 2012 saying:

"There is no such exception as life of the mother, and as far as health of the mother, same thing, with advances in science and technology," he said originally. "Health of the mother has become a tool for abortions anytime, for any reason."

Many women have brought to light their traumatic experiences of terminating a wanted and planned pregnancy to save their own life using social media, including actress Martha Plimpton from TV’s Raising Hope. Another story that has come forward is that of Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California who needed an abortion to save her life.

In order to educate the public on how safe and legal abortions are still needed in many cases to save a mother’s life, Tammy Duckworth and Representative Jackie Speier will be holding a press event tomorrow.

Who: Tammy Duckworth and Representative Jackie Speier, Congresswoman from California who needed and abortion to save her life, as representatives from women’s advocacy groups

When: Thursday, October 25th, 10:45am to 11:15am

Where: 5015 Tollview Drive, Suite 200 (2nd floor), Rolling Meadows, IL. Parking is aplenty.

What: The press event will discuss how dangerous Joe Walsh’s views are to women’s health.

To show your support on women’s health issues you can take action by coming to the event. Please RSVP to Stephanie at stephanieueng@gmail.com.
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Election, TammyDuckworth

Early Voting Begins TODAY

Early voting begins TODAY, October 22nd and is available until November 3rd. Take advantage of the opportunity to get your vote in early by finding your early voting location. 

Have you started thinking about your voting action plan? It is always a good idea to plan ahead to avoid last minute distractions that could keep you away from the polls. What day and time works best for you? Do you know where to go to vote? Do you know how you will get there? Have you decided who you will vote for or do you need to do more research? PPIA's Mobile Voter Guide is formatted for mobile devices and can go right into the voting booth with you. Looking ahead to see what your schedule will be like between now and November 6th will help you decide which date and time will be the most convenient for you to vote. 

Check out what Lisa Edelstein has to say about how important it is for your vote to be your voice.
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Election

Campaign Spotlight: Jan Schakowsky

Jan Schakowsky
Democrat
United States House, 9th Congressional District of Illinois

Email: sarah@janschakowsky.org
Website: janschakowsky.org
Issues: Healthcare, Women's Rights, Economic and Social Justice, Education, Immigrants, Seniors

Representative Jan Schakowsky is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Jan Schakowsky knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Representative Jan Schakowsky is a proven leader when it comes to women. She has a 100% voting record on Planned Parenthood issues. Jan doesn't just vote for women, she speaks out for women. Over the past two years throughout all of the anti-woman attacks in Congress, Schakowsky has appeared on numerous news programs to set the record straight on the harms of defunding Planned Parenthood and restricting access to preventive health care such as breast and cervical cancer screenings. Here is just one example of how Jan defends women every day as a member of Congress.

Biography:

Jan Schakowsky was elected to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District on November 3, 1998. She serves in the House Democratic Leadership as Chief Deputy Whip and as a member of the Steering and Policy Committee. She is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where she will work to accomplish her top priority in Congress -- providing universal healthcare coverage for all Americans. On that Committee, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection and as a member of the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Schakowsky is a leading advocate for women's issues in Congress, sponsoring legislation that would prevent violence against immigrant women, establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse, and commemorate International Women's Day. During the 110th Congress, Schakowsky served as Democratic Vice Chair of the bipartisan Women's Caucus.

Prior to her election to Congress, Schakowsky represented the 18th District in the Illinois General Assembly for eight years. She served as a Democratic Floor Leader and as Secretary of the Conference of Women Legislators.

For twenty years prior to her election to the State House, Schakowsky fought for the public interest and rights of Illinois citizens. As Program Director of Illinois Public Action (1976-1985), the state's largest public interest organization, she fought for energy reform and stronger protection from toxic chemicals. As Director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens from 1985-1990, she organized across the state for lower cost prescription drugs and tax relief for seniors, financial protection for the spouses of nursing home residents and other benefits for the elderly. She has been deeply involved in the fight to protect women's reproductive freedom.

Schakowsky resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband Robert Creamer. She has three children, Ian, Mary, and stepdaughter Lauren Creamer, and four grandchildren, Isabel, Eve, Lucy, and William. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965 with a B.S. in Elementary Education.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Mike Quigley

Mike Quigley
Democrat
United States House, 5th Congressional District of Illinois
Email:info@quigleyforcongress.com
Website:quigleyforcongress.com
Issues: Ethics Reform, Fiscal Responsibility, Equality, Environment, Foreign Policy, Jobs, Transparency, Crime and Public Safety, Health Care, Immigration, Labor

Congressman Mike Quigley is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Congressman Quigley knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Congressman Mike Quigley has a 100% voting record on Planned Parenthood issues. Mike doesn't think it's enough to simply vote with us. He stands with us and he speaks out in support of us. Mike is a leader whenever women's health care comes up in Congress. Mike never misses an opportunity to remind politicians that they should stay out of the personal and private health care decisions of women. Here is a perfect example of Mike's eloquence on the House Floor.

Biography:

In 2009, the Chicago Sun-Times described Mike Quigley as “that rare candidate who promises reform — and delivers.” He was elected to Congress to represent Illinois’ 5th District on April 7, 2009, and has spent every day since aggressively delivering on his promise to reform the way business is done in Washington.

Now in his second term in Congress, Mike is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts. In the months leading up to the recent budget crises, Mike authored two reports laying out detailed plans for the “reinventing” of the federal budget. His most recent proposal includes 60 recommendations to reduce the deficit by $2 trillion in 10 years. He also presented a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would provide Americans with an itemized receipt for their tax returns.

As Co-Chair of the House Transparency Caucus, Mike has proposed smart policies to crack down on corruption and increase government transparency. The proposals include the Transparency in Government Act, requiring greater public disclosure regarding the legislative process, and the Lobbyist Disclosure Enhancement Act, allowing the public greater access to the role and influence of Washington lobbyists. He also introduced the State Ethics Law Protection Act with Senator Mark Kirk to target the pay-to-play politics which have been far too common in Illinois.

Mike also sits on the House Committee on the Judiciary and has used this position to fight for sensible gun laws, reform the nation’s criminal justice system, and protect the rights of women, immigrants, and the LGBT community.

Mike has been in public service for over 30 years. He began his career serving as an aide to former 44th Ward Alderman Bernie Hansen and, in his 10 years as a Cook County Commissioner, became a champion for environmental protection, equal rights, and ethical, open government.

Mike did his undergraduate work at Roosevelt University, earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, and a law degree from the Loyola University School of Law, Chicago. He also served as an adjunct professor of political science at Loyola University Chicago and Roosevelt University, lecturing on politics, the environment and local government. He was a practicing lawyer for almost twenty years.

Mike lives with his wife Barbara, daughters Alyson and Meghan, and three dogs in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood where he has lived since 1982. In his free time, he plays hockey and roots for the Blackhawks and the Cubs.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
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Campaign Spotlight: Naomi Jakobsson

Naomi Jakobsson
Democrat
Illinois House, 103rd House District of Illinois
Email: naomicampaign@gmail.com Website:naomijakobssonfor103.com

Issues: Budget, Affordable Health Care, Education, Civil Rights, Government Ethics Reform

Representative Naomi Jakobsson is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Representative Jakobsson knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Representative Naomi Jakobsson has been a leader on Planned Parenthood issues since 2003. She has voted against dangerous restrictions on abortion. Because she knows that prevention is key, Representative Jakobsson co-sponsored a bill to set standards for age-appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sex education. She wants young people to have the information they need to stay safe and healthy.

Biography:
Naomi Jakobsson chairs the Human Services Committee in the Illinois House and also serves on the Higher Education Committee, the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, the Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee, and the Adoption Reform Committee.

Jakobsson’s top priorities as state representative are to increase funding for education, stand up for the University of Illinois, improve access to affordable health care, strengthen environmental standards, fuel our local economy and be an accessible representative.

As Chairperson of the House Human Services committee, Naomi feels that issues surrounding the health and well-being of Illinois citizens are important. She leads the committee in discussing and voting on legislation that impacts a broad range of health issues, including mental health, developmental disabilities, home and community-based services for the disabled, public aid, children and family services, public health and social services.

Furthermore, Naomi worked to keep mercury out of the environment and reduce its emissions by 90% by the year 2009. She also supported the addition of more recycling bins in Illinois schools and offices. In addition, she worked diligently to protect our natural resources like the Mahomet aquifer.

Naomi recognizes that identity theft is a major problem in today’s world. She continues to push for tighter protections by sponsoring legislation to allow any consumer to place a security freeze on his or her credit report if wrongdoing is suspected. She also supported tougher penalties for those who have been convicted of identity theft.

Naomi is also an advocate for issues concerning children and senior citizens. She has sponsored legislation to require schools to report cases of child abuse to authorities and to crack down on sex offenders who may want to harm our children by giving those offenders lifetime court supervision. Naomi also sponsored legislation that increases the senior citizen homestead exemption and allows elderly homeowners to freeze their property tax assessment and avoid an increase in their tax bill.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

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_________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Natalie Manley

Natalie Manley
Democrat
Illinois House, 98th House District of Illinois
Email: nataliemanley98@gmail.com
Website:nataliemanley.net
Issues: Job Creation, Economy, Fiscal Responsibility, Balanced Budget, Property Taxes

Natalie Manley is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Natalie Manley knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. She believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Manley's opponent, Bob Kalnicky, doesn't trust women to make personal medical decisions without government interference. He supports dangerous restrictions on abortion. Kalnicky also opposes age appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sex education.

Biography:
Natalie Manley is a certified public accountant specializing in government auditing and budgeting, making sure taxpayers are protected. She has never sought a political office before and is deeply concerned about where Illinois is heading and believes we need someone in Springfield to balance the books, get the state’s fiscal house in order, and push for much-needed reforms that will improve our economy and create jobs.

Natalie Manley is the product of a hardworking, single mother, who – at 75 – is a continuing inspiration to all those who meet her. She understands the value of a quality education. In 1990, she was newly divorced and a single mother. As the new sole provider for her family, without any child support, she needed to find a way to make a better living and provide an opportunity for her child. She enrolled at Joliet Junior College (JJC) in Joliet, Illinois. She took out student loans and worked two part-time jobs on the night shift to afford school and to care for her infant.

After graduating from JJC, Manley earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis, in Joliet. She then earned her Certified Public Accountant certification, reaching the top of her profession, and she is registered and licensed as a CPA in the state of Illinois. She also is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the AICPA.

Manley has been part of the professional staff at Wermer, Rogers, Doran, and Ruzon LLC since 1999. As a Senior Staff Accountant, her work experience includes tax accounting for individuals and businesses, auditing for governments and non-profit organizations, budgeting, and cash management services.

Last year, she co-created a financial literacy program for high school students, teaching responsible budgeting habits. Too many students are burdened with rising student loan debt and credit card debt. Manley plans to expand the financial literacy program so students are able to interactively learn how to budget and plan for college or their professional lives after high school.

Natalie Manley has also been an active volunteer for the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Will County, Will Grundy Center for Independent Living, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Will and Grundy County, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and she is a co-host for a talk radio show every Friday morning on 1340 AM WJOL.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

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Campaign Spotlight: Pat Verschoore

Pat Verschoore
Democrat
Illinois House, 72nd House District of Illinois
Email: voteverschoore.com/contact
Website: voteverschoore.com
Issues: Outsourcing, State Budget, Medicaid Costs, Pensions, Role for State Government

Representative Pat Verschoore is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Pat Verschoore knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions. Pat Vershoore's record shows that he trusts women to make the best decision for themselves without government interference.

Verschoore's opponent, Neil Anderson, has been endorsed by the ultra-conservative Family PAC which wants to ban all abortions without exceptions - not even for victims of rape. Anderson supports intrusive restrictions on abortions. Also, he opposes age-appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sex education.

Biography:
Pat Verschoore was born to Arthur and Loretta Verschoore on November 30, 1943 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois. The youngest of seven children, Verschoore graduated from Alleman High School in Rock Island in 1961. He married his wife Charlene in 1964, and, after a five year apprenticeship with the Plumbers and Pipefitters, Verschoore earned his plumber's license with Local #25 in 1970.

By 1972, Verschoore had earned a reputation in the labor community as a fighter for workers' rights and was elected President of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #25. He later served as the local's Business Manager/Financial Secretary and Fund Administrator for the Pension, Health and Welfare Fund. Verschoore retired from the union in 2000.

While serving as Financial Secretary, Verschoore became both a regional and statewide leader as well, serving as a trustee on the Tri-City Building Trades Council and also a vice president of the Illinois Pipetrades Association. Verschoore also served as a director of the Illowa Labor/Management Council, whose purpose is to promote union construction through a project labor agreement known as IMPACT.

Verschoore was inducted into the Eastern Iowa/Northwestern Illinois AFL-CIO Hall of Fame in 2000, and he was honored as Grand Marshall of East Moline's 2002 Labor Day parade.

Verschoore's leadership is not limited to the labor movement. He served as a Trustee for Bowling Township from 2001 until 2003 and is a previous Bowling Township Precinct Committeeman. Verschoore currently works as a Business Development Director at Quad City Bank and Trust.

Verschoore's legislative agenda reflects his values as a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities area. Having raised his own family, Verschoore's top priority is to make sure that working families get the opportunities they deserve, and that means promoting economic development to create good-paying jobs with benefits in the Quad Cities. Before being sworn in as State Representative himself, Verschoore worked closely with former State Representative Joel Brunsvold on a number of issues, including labor and business initiatives for the Quad Cities and the local area.

As a father and the husband of a retired teacher, Pat Verschoore understands that a quality education is the foundation for a prosperous future. Verschoore knows that good schools need to have the resources to provide modern textbooks and attract well-trained and committed instructors. He believes we must also demand the best of our students, teachers and administrators.

Verschoore's commitment to the community includes volunteer work for: Habitat for Humanity; the Boys and Girls Club; Gilda's Club, and Building for Kids, Hearts and Hammers. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Pat and Charlene Verschoore currently live in Milan and attend St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Andalusia. They have one son, married, and three granddaughters.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide.
_______________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
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Campaign Spotlight: Mike Smiddy

Mike Smiddy
Democrat
Illinois House, 71st House District of Illinois
Email: mikesmiddy.com/contact

Website: mikesmiddy.com
Issues: Children, Seniors, Veterans, Education, Tax Reform, Job Creation

Mike Smiddy is 100% pro-choice and has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. Mike Smiddy knows that women don't turn to politicians for advice about birth control, mammograms, or cancer screenings. He believes that government should not be involved in a woman's personal medical decisions.

Smiddy's opponent, Representative Richard Morthland, doesn't trust women to make personal medical decisions without government interference. He wants to ban all abortions with no exceptions - not even for rape victims. Morthland has co-sponsored legislation imposing medically unnecessary regulations on abortions. He also opposes age-appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sex education.

Biography:
Mike Smiddy grew up in Hampton, Illinois, a small town next to the Mississippi River. Mike comes from a proud military family. His father and uncle are veterans of the US Marine Corps and his grandfather served in the US Army.

Currently, Mike and his wife Deb are raising two young sons, Logan and Ian. They live on their family farm in Hillsdale, just a few miles from where Mike grew up. Mike works as a supervisor for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Deb is a teacher at the East Moline Public School System District #37 and an Augustana graduate. She also sits on the regional council of the Illinois Education Association.

Mike Smiddy believes that Illinois deserves good jobs that can support a family, quality public schools that prepare our kids for the 21st century economy, and fair treatment for our veterans. Unlike his opponent, Mike has pledged not to work extra jobs on the side—our full-time problems can’t be solved by a part-time representative.

At age 15 Mike began working for a small family-owned business in Silvis where he developed a strong work ethic and learned the true value of a dollar. Mike’s parents, a UAW worker at John Deere and a bookkeeper at a local auto shop, taught him to work hard for his family and his community.

After graduating from United Township High School in East Moline, Mike attended Black Hawk College and Western Illinois where he studied Government and Law Enforcement. After college, Mike went to work for Congressman Lane Evans. He spent the next 8 years working to ensure that regular people had a voice in government.

Lane Evans taught Mike that a legislator’s job is to be an advocate for people and families that need it most— to look out for everyday people. Mike has carried that philosophy with him as an active member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union Local 46 (AFSCME) at the East Moline Correctional Center. He served as Treasurer and Executive Board Member for two terms and was one of two delegates from AFSCME who served as representatives on the Quad City Federation of Labor.

See the full list of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action endorsed candidates.

Visit our Mobile Voter Guide. __________________________________________________________________________

This post was created by Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). PPIA is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL).

Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to our blog feed.   

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Mike Smiddy