The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois held its 3^rd Annual Legislator Awards on Thursday, October 12^th and honored several Illinois lawmakers for their successful advocacy in 2017.

“In an extremely difficult political year fraught with division and animosity, these legislators were able to rise above the fray and pass laws that better protect and serve citizens across our state. We thank them for their hard work in Springfield and their continued commitment to the mission of the ACLU,” said Colleen Connell, Executive Director, ACLU of Illinois.

The award recipients for the evening were:

Currie Courage Award (Legislative Champion Award): Elaine Nekritz

The ACLU of Illinois honored Rep. Elaine Nekritz with the Currie Courage Award for her fierce advocacy and leadership, as well as her years as a civil liberties champion.

Sponsor Award: Sara Feigenholtz

The ACLU of Illinois honored Representative Sara Feigenholtz for her sponsorship of HB 40 and commitment to reproductive health, access, and justice for all.

Sponsor Award: Heather Steans

The ACLU of Illinois honored Senator Heather Steans for her sponsorship of HB 40 and commitment to reproductive health, access, and justice for all.

Sponsor Award: Greg Harris

The ACLU of Illinois honored Representative Greg Harris for his sponsorship of HB 1785 and commitment to LBGTQ rights.

Sponsor Award: Toi Hutchinson

The ACLU of Illinois honored Senator Toi Hutchinson for her sponsorship of HB 1785 and HB 3803, along with her commitment to LBGTQ rights and criminal justice reform.

Sponsor Award: Kelly Cassidy

The ACLU of Illinois honored Representative Kelly Cassidy for her sponsorship of HB 3803 and commitment to criminal justice reform.

Sponsor Award: Will Guzzardi

The ACLU of Illinois honored Rep. Will Guzzardi for his sponsorship of HB 303 and commitment to criminal justice reform.

Sponsor Award: Don Harmon

The ACLU of Illinois honored Senator Don Harmon for his sponsorship of HB 303 and commitment to criminal justice reform. 

The Nominating Committee of the ACLU of Illinois Board of Directors has submitted its slate of nominees for the election to be held in November.

2018 ACLU of Illinois new Board nominees are:

• Darren Hunter, Partner, Rooney Rippie & Ratnaswamy LLP
• Nadim Kazi, Associate General Counsel, Exelon
• Elaine Nekritz, Illinois State Representative, 57th District

Current Board members up for re-election are:  Marc O. Beem, Leah Bruno, Diane Klotnia, Laura Kofoid, Ruth Krugly, Scott Lassar, Betsy Lehman, Carrie Newton, Mort Rosen, Mary Stowell, Stel Valavanis, Charles Watkins 

Additional candidates may be nominated by written petitions signed by twenty five members, submitted by November 8, 2017. Nominations should be sent to ACLU Nominating Committee, ACLU of Illinois, 150 N. Michigan, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60601. Full biographies will be posted following the election.