Illinois Celebrates Human Rights Day December marks the 45th anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act

 Illinois Celebrates Human Rights Day

December marks the 45th anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're huge supporters of human rights. In our current political climate we're happier than ever to live in Illinois, a state with strong human rights protections. Kudos for taking human rights seriously and prioritizing protections for ALL Illinois citizens regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

Today, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) commemorated International Human Rights Day with a celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA or Act).

The celebration includes joint outreach and remarks at a Chicago History Museum event on 100 years of LGBTQIA+ rights activism provided in partnership with the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. IDHR will also celebrate at an All-Staff meeting with employee recognition awards in Chicago and Springfield and through educational content on social media.

Inspired by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the IHRA was signed into law by Governor James R. Thompson on Dec. 6, 1979, establishing the IDHR and the IHRC as the state agencies responsible for enforcing the IHRA. The IHRA now prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, financial credit, and education on the basis of more than 20 protected classes. Those categories include race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Recent additions include anti-discrimination protections in employment for conviction record and work authorization status and in housing for source of income and immigration status.

“The Illinois Human Rights Act provides one of the most comprehensive sets of human rights protections in the country,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “Amid attacks against human rights and reproductive rights across the country, IDHR remains committed to uplifting this historic legislation by informing people who live, work, or visit our state of their rights and obligations under state law.”

“For forty-five years, both the Illinois Human Rights Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have enforced the Act without fear or favor, and as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said IHRC Chair Selma C. D’Souza.

In 2024, Governor Pritzker signed into law five bills that expanded the IHRA. Amendments to the IHRA include new protections for reproductive health decisions in all areas of the Act and family responsibilities in employment that go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. Another amendment expands the statute of limitations (time limit) for individuals to file a charge of discrimination from 300 days to 2 years, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The expanded time to file a charge applies only to employment, public accommodations, education, and financial credit cases. For housing cases, the time remains unchanged, one year to file a charge with IDHR or 2 years to file a complaint in circuit court.  

In-Person Event

OUT at CHM: 100 years of LGBTQIA+ Rights: Henry Gerber and the Society for Human Rights

Tuesday, December 10, 6-9 pm

Chicago History Museum

1601 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60614

Tickets: $8 members / $12 non-members

Join the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for an event to celebrate International Human Rights Day and the 45th Anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act. IDHR and IHRC will provide information on the agencies and present brief remarks.

IDHR and IHRC call on each of us to do our part to advance freedom and inclusion for all. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, contact IDHR by calling (877) 236-7703 or 7-1-1 for *TTY users or by visiting us online at dhr.illinois.gov/filing-a-charge.

To learn more about IDHR, visit dhr.illinois.gov.

To learn more about IHRC, visit hrc.illinois.gov.

How Illinois Starved Its Public Universities And Colleges For 16 Years And Caused A Mass Exodus

IBHE BOARD APPROVES HIGHER EDUCATION BUDGET REQUEST

As an Illinois parent of a high school senior and sophomore, state budgeting for higher education, or lack thereof, is a huge area of concern for me. Still, a healthy, well funded higher education system is a boon for everyone in the state. I'm cautiously optimistic our state is finally moving in the right direction, by approving a 16.6 percent budget increase for 2020. Yet, funding levels are still lower than they were in 2002! With more states moving toward free public universities for those who qualify financially, maintain a good GPA, and agree to stay in state a few years after graduation, Illinois will have to step up in a big way to compete in any meaningful way. Right now Illinois is hemorrhaging high school graduates to universities and colleges in other states.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education has approved a fiscal year 2020 budget that would include $314 million new dollars, or a 16.6 percent increase in funding, for higher education operations in Illinois. “This next fiscal year is beyond critical for the future of higher education in our state,” said Tom Cross, chairman, IBHE. “The board believes that a $2.208 billion budget request will mean reinvestment in higher education, and a commitment to ending the pattern of outmigration of Illinois students.” The board action was taken Tues, Dec. 4.

Illinois Higher Education Appropriations Operation History Adjusted for Mandates and Inflation

“For the public universities, we feel that a ten percent increase, or $110 million in additional revenue, is reasonable and will allow those institutions to start to heal after 16 years of budgets below the benchmark of fiscal year 2002,” explained Cross. “Universities still haven’t come close to recovering from the worst blow, which was the stopgap budget of fiscal 2016.” The chart above shows the appropriations for higher education as adjusted for unfunded mandates and inflation.

In the budget request, IBHE is asking for additional money for grant programs. IBHE Executive Director Dr. Al Bowman said, “If Illinois wants more of its high school graduates to attend Illinois colleges and universities, an important incentive is the availability of grants. This budget request will go a long way toward keeping more students here.” 

The new or increased grant lines include:

• Monetary Award Program (MAP)                    $100 million
• AIM HIGH                                                        $20 million
• Veterans and National Guard                          $26 million
• Assistance for Nonpublic Institutions               $25 million

“It’s important to note that even with a 16.6 percent increase, next year’s budget would still be lower than the $2.417 billion amount approved by lawmakers for fiscal year 2002,” said Cross. 

Bowman told the board that there is a clear connection between tuition increases and the woefully inadequate budgets for higher education. “Revenues for public universities used to come primarily from the state budget, at 72 percent of the total in fiscal 2002. That meant that only 28 percent came from tuition and fees. That ratio has flipped, so that students are largely responsible for almost 65 percent of university revenue.”  

Trends in Educational and Related Revenues at Illinois Public Universities


The board is also requesting $664 million in Capital Renewal funding to pay for imperative deferred maintenance. That is in addition to $1.5 billion that is necessary for regular capital projects.

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier Site of Kick Off For Yearlong celebration of Illinois Bicentennial

Here at ChiIL Mama we're excited for the Illinois bicentennial. Chi, IL isn't just part of my business name, it's home! My two children were born in Chicago as was my father and his 3 sibling, and his parents too. 

 
Today, Gov. Bruce Rauner and leaders of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission officially kicked off the state’s yearlong 200th birthday celebration at Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier. Illinois Bicentennial will pay tribute to the people, places, and things that are being BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the nation’s fifth most populous state. 

“This is an opportunity to celebrate all that has been great in our first 200 years and lay the foundation for 200 more years of growth and prosperity,” Rauner said. “Illinois is home, and the Bicentennial gives us a chance to reflect on how we can continue to make it great for our children and grandchildren.”

“Today marks Illinois’ 199th birthday,” said Lori Healey, co-chairwoman of the commission and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. “Illinois Bicentennial will be a yearlong celebration between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, which will be our state’s 200th birthday.”



“The Bicentennial is a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again,” said Gloria Castillo, co-chairwoman of the commission and president and CEO of Chicago United. “Throughout the next 365 days, Illinois Bicentennial will pay tribute to the people, places, and things that are being BORN, BUILT & GROWN here every single day.”

The Navy Pier festivities mark the beginning of events and projects that the Commission has planned to kick off the celebration around the state. In addition to the Winter WonderFest ceremony, events today and Monday include:

• “Raise the Curtain on Illinois Bicentennial,” where 100 winners of the commission’s 100 Day Countdown Video Contest will share the stage with the governor and the cast of “Hamilton” following this afternoon’s matinee performance.

• The Illinois Bicentennial Exhibit will be previewed today at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield, with music provided by the Illinois Symphony.

• A simultaneous Bicentennial flag-raising takes place at municipalities around the state at noon Monday, Dec. 4, to note the beginning of the state’s 200th year. The Illinois Municipal League and United Airlines partnered to provide complimentary flags to counties and municipalities statewide, and the Commission will also host a flag raising ceremony at McCormick Place at noon on Dec. 4.



During his kickoff address, the governor encouraged all citizens to participate in the celebration, to visit illinois200.com and to use the hashtag #IllinoisProud on their social media posts.

Fifth Third Bank hosted today’s festivities at Navy Pier, where the Bicentennial logo is featured on the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel and on signage throughout Winter WonderFest today. Guests can also purchase merchandise commemorating the state’s milestone and have pictures taken with “Big Lincoln,” near the Illinois Bicentennial and Office of Tourism booths.

Also in attendance at today’s press conference were Bicentennial Commission co-chair Randy Dunn, president of Southern Illinois University System; Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole; United Airlines Vice President State and Local Government Affairs Dan Lynch; UPS Delivery Driver Don Bence; Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner; and Fifth Third Bank Executive Leader of Civic Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Francia Harrington.



ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL
200 years ago, on December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the Union. Since then, the people of Illinois have banded together to transform this once-barren and uninviting land into a remarkable place of awe-inspiring beauty, accomplishment, and culture. The Illinois Bicentennial is a year-long celebration of what has been BORN. BUILT. GROWN. in the state and an invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. 

Partners and event and project managers planning activities between December 3, 2017 and December 3, 2018 can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com for more information.

TRAVEL LOCALLY: Check Out Aurora, Illinois This March

Events Worth Traveling For

in the Aurora Area

If time and money prevent venturing farther from home, there's plenty of fun right here in Illinois! Here at ChiIL Mama, we caught opening night of Sweeney Todd at the gorgeous Paramount Theatre and it was amazing. This was our first foray out to The Paramount Theatre, since it always seemed like such a trek, but we're sold. It was more than worth the drive time from Chicago. The professionalism and talent was exceptional. Highly recommended! 

The Aurora Area has a full slate of arts & entertainment, nightlife, and kid-approved family fun to help cure your readers' build weekend getaways just 40 miles west of Chicago.

Highlights include: 

•A spectacular production of SWEENEY TODD at the award-winning Paramount Theatre

•Two Brothers' 20th Anniversary at the historic Two Brothers Roundhouse in Downtown Aurora

•A weekend of reeling Irish footwork with Riverdance, celebrating it's 20th anniversary in 2017

•Fermilab's ongoing 50th anniversary celebration includes the fantastic "Wonders of Science" show for the budding physicist 

Sweeney Todd: A Musical Thriller

Closes March 19, 2017

Paramount Theatre

23 E. Galena Blvd

Aurora, IL 60506

http://chiilliveshows.com/2017/02/opening-sondheims-sweeney-todd-begins.html

This wildly entertaining show is backed by rave reviews and an outstanding cast. Whether you've seen it before or it's your first time sitting for a close shave, don't miss this highly recommended show -- ends March 19th!

First Fridays Downtown Aurora

Friday, March 3

Venues in Downtown Aurora

Party On! 25 Years of Wayne's World continues at First Fridays in Downtown Aurora on March 3rd. Enjoy art, music, dancing, theater, and more at dozens of venues throughout Downtown Aurora.

Vintage Shop Hop Weekend

Friday, March 3 - Saturday, March 4

Venues in Downtown Sandwich, Aurora, North Aurora, Yorkville, and Batavia, IL 

A weekend road trip spanning over 300 participating shops hits the antiques capital of the region along Route 34 in Sandwich, Yorkville, and up through the Fox River Valley into Aurora, North Aurora and Batavia. 

Artrageous!

Friday, March 10

Batavia Fine Arts Centre

1201 Main St.

Batavia, IL 60502

Giant artworks jump to life with amazing speed unveiling larger than life icons and masterpieces in just moments, all the while there is constant activity on stage, attracting your attention and delighting your senses with energy, spirit and action. A show for the entire family!

 

Two Brothers Artisan Brewing 20th Anniversary Party

Thursday, March 16

Two Brothers Roundhouse

205 N. Broadway 

Aurora, IL 60505

Cheer on 20 years of fiercely independent craft brewing with Two Brothers at the historic Roundhouse in Downtown Aurora! Features a live performance by the JC Brooks Band and the debut of Two Brothers' 20th Anniversary beer. 

 

Wonders of Science at Fermilab

Sunday, March 19

Fermilab's Ramsey Auditorium

Kirk Road & Pine Street in Batavia, IL

Watch amazing science demonstrations at Fermilab's annual Wonders of Science, a fast-paced interactive showcase of chemistry and physics for the budding young scientist in your family. 

Super SciTech Saturday - Females in Flight

Saturday, March 25

SciTech Hands On Museum

18 W. Benton

Aurora, IL 60506

SciTech Hands On Museum in Downtown Aurora presents "Females in Flight" with free children's admission and creation stations open for all ages. 

Super SciTech Saturday

Saturday, March 25

SciTech Hands On Museum

18 W. Benton

Aurora, IL 60506

SciTech Hands On Museum in Downtown Aurora presents "Females in Flight" with free children's admission and creation stations open for all ages. 

Madeleine Peyroux and Rickie Lee Jones

Saturday, March 25

Paramount Theatre

23 E. Galena Blvd.

Aurora, IL 60506

This show gives a whole new meaning to "girl power". Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones has been called “an original,” “a cult heroine” and “one of the best-if not the best-artist of her generation.” When an Atlantic Records A&R rep first heard Madeleine Peyroux play, he said her set was “some of the most exciting, viscerally moving minutes of my music-listening life.” See them both on the Paramount Theatre stage for this one night only event!

 

Riverdance

March 31 - April 2

Paramount Theatre

23 E. Galena Blvd.

Aurora, IL 60506

Celebrating 20 years of reels, jigs, and spectacular performances, the internationally acclaimed Riverdance brings the very best in Irish dance and music to the Aurora Area.

Click HERE for a complete list of Aurora Area events.

Click HERE for the March 2017 Aurora Events Blog.

About the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB)

Formed in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the area as a visitor destination. The goal of the AACVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region compromised of 10 municipalities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Plano, Sandwich, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. The AACVB aggressively promotes the area as an overnight destination and increases visitor awareness and expenditures for the maximum economic benefit of our tourism partners.