Emailing - League of Women Voters of McLean County

Date: 1/28/2025
Subject: News Blast January 28, 2025
From: League of Women Voters of McLean County

January 28, 2025

Calendar of Events

Education Meeting Tonight!

Affordable Housing Discussed

A scarcity of affordable housing has been in the news for months. The lack of affordable housing is a national crisis, and we see it in our own community. The creation of a tent city for the growing homeless is demonstrative proof of the size of the issue. The growth of several large employers, few vacant housing rentals available and higher rents have led to more evictions and homelessness. Local government and business leaders have been studying the issue for potential solutions. The problem is multifaceted and complicated, and will take great efforts to address effectively.

The League of Women Voters of McLean County is hosting a panel to address the issues and varied potential solutions. The panelists include Mark Adams, Interim President of the nonprofit Bloomington-Normal Community Land Trust; John Armstrong, two-time past President of the Mid-Illinois Realtors Association; and Jeff Jurgens, City Manager of the City of Bloomington.

The program will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 6:30, at the Bloomington Public Library's Community Room. The event is free and open to the public. Bring your friends! Please forward this newsletter to anyone who is interested.

Study Team Preliminary Information Available
April 1 Sales Tax Referendum

The McLean County League CFST Study Team has been reviewing the April 1 ballot referendum proposing a 1% county-wide sales tax to fund McLean County schools’ facilities improvements, school resource officers, and mental health professionals.

The Study Team has been exploring the need for funding, options for meeting identified needs, and the merits/drawbacks of the proposed 1% sales tax.

Information gathered to date is available through this link to League members and the community at large. As part of our effort to inform ourselves in preparation for a possible position and follow-up action on this issue, we invited the superintendents of Unit 5 and District 87 to a League-sponsored program on February 11. The program is open to the public and will include opportunity for Q&A.

Shortly after the Feb. 11 meeting (the date TBD) there will be a Member Consensus Meeting via Zoom in which we discuss available information and consider whether or not the League wishes to take a position, either for or against the referendum proposal. If members indicate they want the League to take action, we will begin advocacy efforts.

In preparation for this decision, please review the available information, plan to attend the Feb. 11 education program, and watch for details on the Member Consensus Meeting. The League does not take action unless there is a consensus of members to do so.

Sales Tax Referendum~Community Information Pgm Feb 11

Your Membership Update Request Coming Soon!
by Beth Porter

The membership update affects every member and is coming in early February to your email. It is important that you are looking for an email from membership@lwv.org. As you know, with this change, joining and renewing will be a standardized process and nationwide system regardless of what local League a member is part of.

This new membership system will ask you to log in to the portal for the first time. You are not being asked to renew or pay dues, only to log in and complete your member profile information.

It’s important to log in to the portal to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information. During the process, you will be asked to answer a short member survey. Answering questions about you and your engagement with the League will help the LWVUS more broadly understand who we are as an organization, and help you get involved in the ways you want.

If you haven't received an invitation to log in before February 7, please check your spam folder or reach out to membership@lwvmclean.org.

Profile update and Renewal of Membership instructions can be found here if you need them; both can happen at the same time if you still need to renew your membership.

Make a Difference

Serve on the League Board

Looking for a chance to make a difference? By becoming an officer or director of the LWVMC, you have an opportunity to protect and expand voting rights, empower voters, defend democracy, and influence legislation through advocacy and education.

If you are ready to help, wish to nominate a friend, or have any questions about serving, please contact the governance committee chair, Cathy Pratt, at info@lwvmclean.org

Reinvent Veterans Parkway

Take the survey

Fill out the survey to give your feedback on the future of Veterans Parkway. The survey is open now until February 10th.

The McLean County Regional Planning Commission, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local partners launched a planning study to reinvent and re-envision the essential roadway focusing on safety, equity, and sustainability. Read more and fill out the survey:

Veterans Parkway Survey

Styling with your League T-Shirt

Order your T-shirt today! You can buy it at our League storefront or at the February meeting.

T-shirts for sale

Upcoming Events

February 6: Full membership meeting at Bloomington Library Community Room from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Provide input to League positions.

February 6: Sign Valentine postcards for seniors at McLean County Museum of History from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

February 8: League of Women Voters Illinois' 2025 Issues Briefing. Attend in person or virtually.

February 11: Learn more about Sales Tax Referendum at League education meeting. Bloomington Public Library at 6:30 p.m.

February 19: Drinks and Dialogue at Gill Street Sports Bar, Bloomington from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Hear the personal story from Verneice Prince who became homeless.

Check out the details and register at the Calendar of Events button below.

Calendar of Events

Miss the Last Issue of The Voter? Click on the link below for the most recent issue.

The Voter -- January 2025

League of Women Voters of McLean County

P.O. Box 932, Normal, IL 61761

info@lwvmclean.org

lwvmclean.org

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