NASW IL PAC ANNOUNCES 2012 HOUSE/SENATE ENDORSEMENTS

November election vital to human services

Chicago, IL – The crucial upcoming November election will greatly impact social work and human services in Illinois. Elected leaders will make decisions regarding funding, along with a vast array of services that help our communities. Therefore it is important to elect leaders who support policies that are consistent with the social work profession.

Supporting responsible candidates is one of the main goals of the NASW IL Political Action Committee. The PAC is separately incorporated and supported by NASW member contributions – not association dues. The candidate selection process is member driven, with social workers engaging with incumbents and candidates throughout the state. In addition to candidate endorsement, the PAC adamantly promotes political education and participation in the electoral process by social work professionals.

NASW IL PAC is proud to announce the following candidate endorsements:

House

Naomi Jakobsson – 103^rd district

Camille Lilly – 78^th district

Elaine Nekritz – 57^th district

Robert Martwick – 19^th district

Michael Langendorf – 104^th district

Sid Mathias – 59th district

Senate

Corinne Pierog – 25^th district

Amanda Howland – 26^th district

Dan Biss – 9^th district

Daniel Kotowski – 28^th district

Andy Manar – 48^th district

Michael Frerichs – 52^nd district

Steve Stadelman – 34^th district

Dave Koehler – 46th District

Toi Hutchinson – 40th District

Julie Morrison – 29th District

Previously Endorsed Candidates: (The following were endorsed in the primary and are therefore endorsed for the general election).

Edward Acevedo -2nd District

Emanuel “Chris” Welch –  7^th District

Kelly Cassidy – 14^th District

Robert Martwick – 19th District

Rudy Lozano – 21^st District

Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez – 24^th District

Christian Mitchell – 26^th District

Elgie R. Sims, Jr., – 34^th District

Ron Sandack – 81^st District

ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS FORTHCOMING

Additional endorsements for the general election will occur after the primary election.

Edward Acevedo – Illinois House 2^nd District: A longtime advocate for the aging community and sponsor of KidsCare, Rep. Acevedo’s work in the social services and protecting Medicare is well-respected. He scored a 90% on the NASW Illinois Scorecard, with his only non-supportive vote coming with his approval of the ComEd bill (SB1652). Rep. Acevedo is the right choice for the 2^nd District. The NASW IL PAC endorses.

Emanuel “Chris” Welch – Illinois House 7^th District: In a candidate-rich primary, the NASW IL PAC endorses Chris Welch for 7^th District. His strong support for education funding, healthcare for Illinois’ most vulnerable, and his commitment to keeping people in their homes aligns his candidacy incredibly well with the legislative agenda and ideals of the NASW IL PAC.

Kelly Cassidy – Illinois House 14^th District: Kelly is easily one of the most progressive and aggressive freshman representatives in Springfield in quite some time. Her legislation runs the gamut from expanded protection for children, LGBT advocacy, defense of pro-choice, nursing home reform, and reasonable gun control efforts. Rep. Kelly Cassidy scored 100% on the NASW Illinois Scorecard. Kelly is a strong supporter of the social work profession and advocates for prompt payment to social service providers. NASW IL PAC strongly endorses Rep. Kelly Cassidy for 14^th District.

Robert Martwick – Illinois House 19^th District: As a former domestic violence prosecutor, Robert Martwick has a long history working with social workers in child abuse and neglect and domestic violence. Martwick’s strong support for education funding and a progressive tax system impresses, but the progressive from Norridge ultimately wins our support for his unequivocal support for the women’s right to make health decisions with the advice of her doctor and without the intrusion of politicians. In light of recent legislation from the 19^th District’s current office holder, the NASW IL PAC can’t endorse Robert Martwick for 19^th District fast enough.

Rudy Lozano – Illinois House 21^st District: As a former service provider for families and youth from low income communities, Rudy Lozano knows the importance of the social work profession. He has been a longtime advocate for fully funding social services and a vocal opponent for budget reductions in communities needing assistance. He has also been a strong advocate for cultural and linguistic services to the state’s immigrant community. The NASW IL PAC anticipates working closely with Rudy Lozano and strongly endorses him for state representative of the Illinois House 21^st District.

Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez – Illinois House 24^th District: A strong advocate for health care for all and additional education funding, Elizabeth Hernandez has been a solid supporter of the social work profession. She scored a 90% on the NASW IL Scorecard with her only nonsupportive vote coming with her approval of the ComEd bill (SB1652). We feel Rep. Hernandez will continue to be an important ally to the profession and should return to Springfield. The NASW IL PAC endorses her for 24^th District Representative.

Christian Mitchell – Illinois House 26^th District: Christian Mitchell is a community organizer and policy advisor whose focus is on assisting single mothers and general members of the community to fight for living wage jobs, adequate housing, improved transportation, and equitable schools. A true progressive in the mold of former State Rep. Will Burns, NASW IL PAC strongly endorses him for State Representative for the 26^th District House.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr., – Illinois House 34^th District: As strong supporter of expanding educational funding, Elgie Sims, Jr., has a record that is already impressive. As a progressive who was Budget Director to former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., we think Elgie Sims will bring a valuable skill set and knowledge base to Springfield that is needed at this time of economic difficulty. The NASW IL PAC endorses Elgie Sims, Jr., for 34^th District State Representative.

Ron Sandack – Illinois House 81^st District: As current State Senator, Ron Sandack has managed to balance his fiscally conservative views with socially responsible legislation. While we would prefer to see Senator Sandack embrace additional borrowing to pay for money due to social services, we were impressed with his support for the Dream Act, ending the death penalty in Illinois, and ultimately his sponsorship of the Emergency Medical Services Access Act which will no doubt save lives in our community. It is his willingness to work with the other side of the aisle on important and fiscally sound social issues that makes him an invaluable asset in Springfield to his conservative constituents and to the social work profession’s clients which we serve. The NASW IL PAC endorses Ron Sandack for State Representative for the 81^st District.

Additional information on current legislators can be found in the 2012 NASW IL PAC Scorecard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2012

Contact: Kyle Hillman

E-mail: khillman@naswilpac.org

Phone: 312.212.3717 x120

SOCIAL WORK PAC RELEASES 2012 LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

The National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter Political Action Committee (NASW IL PAC) is pleased to present its 2011Legislative Scorecard. The NASW IL PAC advocates for over 20,000 social workers (8,000 of which are active members) working in the state of Illinois who practice in the social work profession.

Twenty-one Illinois legislators were placed in the PAC’s Jane Addams Group. This was a distinction awarded to members of the Illinois Legislature who voted 100% with the NASW IL PAC. The complete scorecard can be found by [Clicking Here]

• Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge)
• Sen. Heather A. Steans (D-Chicago)
• Sen. Ira I. Silverstein (D-Chicago)
• Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr.(D-East St. Louis)
• Sen. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg (D-Evanston)
• Sen. John M. Sullivan (D-Quincy)
• Sen. Michael W. Frerichs (D-Champaign)
• Rep. Al Riley (D-Hazel Crest)
• Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago)
• Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Skokie)
• Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago)
• Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr.(D-East St. Louis)
• Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines)
• Rep. Esther Golar (D-Chicago)
• Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago)
• Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago)
• Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago)
• Rep. Lisa M. Dugan (D-Kankakee)
• Rep. Michael J. Zalewski (D-Summit)
• Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)
• Rep. William Cunningham (D-Chicago)

The NASW IL PAC Legislative Scorecard is a source for Illinois social workers to learn how their legislators voted on key issues that impacted the social work profession and their clients. The NASW IL PAC releases its scorecard at the end of each year to ensure that members know legislator’s records on key economic and social work–related public policy issues, and to also recognize lawmakers who understand the importance of a strong and funded social service industry.

As you can see, the 2011 Legislative Scorecard shows numerous perfect scores and reflects the success that the NASW IL PAC and its members received in persuading lawmakers to vote in the interests of the social work profession and our clients. However, budget constraints and current legislation being presented will require continued diligence and participation from the social work profession. For more information, check out the NASW IL PAC website at http://www.naswilpac.org and join our advocacy alert e-mail list.

The PAC board has been meeting regarding the 2012 endorsement process and questionnaire. While the subcommittee will be working to write up the  questionnaire to give to candidates in specific races, we would like any suggested questions or topics from the membership to be submitted to us before Feb 10th, 2012 via email to khillman@naswilpac.org. All suggestions will be forwarded tot he committee for consideration.

Also the new legislative agenda is up, please check out the chapters legislative agenda for 2012.

The PAC is gearing up for 2012 and we need your help!Springfield is currently in veto session and following that we will be in full budget mode.  If you are not following our action alerts click the advocacy tab and sign up.

ALSO

Take a few minutes to complete the the volunteer form to stay up-to-date on upcoming volunteer and training opportunities:

http://naswilpac.org/volunteer/

We are also excited to announce new PAC initiatives including candidate questionnaires, voting grades, and a new slate of PAC Board Volunteers.

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR PAC!

Congratulations to James Cappleman, LCSW and NASW member, for becoming the newest alderman of the 46th Ward in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. James was endorsed last fall by the NASW Illinois Chapter Political Action Committee (NASW IL PAC) and will serve the next four years in city council. It is an exciting time as we will have several new social work supporters and now a licensed social worker providing a unique insight to legislation.

<iframe title=”YouTube video player” width=”480″ height=”390″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/id1G9pH6na8″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

NASW Illinois Chapter

2012 Legislative/Social Policy Agenda

• NASW IL will continue to work towards comprehensive solution to the state budget crisis by actively supporting the identification of new revenues that address the State’s structural budget deficit, solvency and capacity to support a thriving human services infrastructure to meet the needs of the State’s most vulnerable residents in the short-term and long-term.  The Chapter will also advocate for prompt payment to providers (through debt restructuring) including the backlog in payments.

• Support Illinois’ implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the role social workers can play in it.

• Monitor compliance of the Williams v. Quinn Consent Decree to ensure that residents in IMDs have access to community services. Advocate for social work professionals to play a role in supporting that transition.

• NASW IL will continue towards establishing the rules process for PA 95-518, the social work Medicaid reimbursement law, which will enable mental health services to be more readily available on a community level and how this will fit into the Medicaid  reform laws adopted by the Illinois General Assembly in 2011, P.A. 96-1501.

• Advocate for fair and equitable insurance reimbursement rates for licensed clinical social workers.
• Seek approval from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) of  two proposed rule changes (recommended by the Chapter’s Licensure Task Force) regarding the addition of cultural competence training to be included in the 30 CEU requirement, as well as the cap on online CEUs.  These proposed rule changes would take effect for  2013 licensure cycle.

Ongoing Initiatives

• NASW IL will work to promote the hiring of social workers and  advocate for the role of the social work profession in the human service sector in Illinois.
• NASW IL will closely monitor and review, and support when deemed appropriate, initiatives to eliminate or reduce poverty in Illinois, as well as support efforts of the state’s Human Services, Budgeting for Results  and Poverty Commissions.

• NASW IL will support legislation and policies that enhance the safety of social workers in the performance of their work.

• NASW IL will support initiatives that provide for and protect the human rights of all Illinois citizens.

• NASW IL will support initiatives that ensure that women will have reproductive choice and reproductive health services in Illinois regardless of their financial circumstances.

As always, the NASW IL is guided by the policy statements that appear in Social Work Speaks 2012-2015 in its advocacy efforts. NASW’s Delegate Assembly, a national body of 300 professional social workers, meets every three years to develop Social Work Speaks policy statements.

The NASW IL PAC is proud to announce their endorsement of Aldermanic Candidate James Cappleman for the 46th Ward.

James Cappleman, a licensed social worker and member of NASW IL,  has always considered himself a community activist and advocate focused on the importance of creating systemic change.  That is why James is proud to be a candidate for 46^th Ward Alderman.  Having worked in the community for over 10 years, James brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that prepares him to be a strong advocate for the 46^th Ward and the City of Chicago on day one.

After settling in Chicago in the late 1980s, James worked with homeless HIV/AIDS clients at Travelers and Immigrant Aid (now Heartland Alliance). This experience moved James to return to school and receive his MSW from the Jane Addams College of Social at the University of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago. Upon graduation, James worked at Children’s Memorial Hospital, then moved to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, and is now currently at The University of Chicago Hospital.

James believes that the most effective way to move the 46^th Ward forward is to create an environment that encourages businesses to move into the area and allows them to thrive.  For the past ten years, James has been on the board of the Uptown Chicago Commission (UCC), working to improve the quality of life of all Uptown residents.

In an effort to reduce crime in the 46^th Ward, James has worked with local elected officials including State Senator Heather Steans and State Representative Greg Harris on a number of task forces to address issues of public safety.  While working to address unmonitored sex-offenders in the 46^th Ward, James identified weaknesses in the enforcement of laws that limit sex-offenders from living near a school, playground or daycare in Illinois.  His work with Attorney General Lisa Madigan on this issue lead to stronger enforcement of these laws and helped to make our children safer.

As his career evolved, James became more involved with end-of-life and palliative care. During the mid 1990s, James served as chair of the NASW Illinois Chapter’s HIV/AIDS Network. His experience working in the healthcare field encouraged James to write Asking the Right Questions to Get the Healthcare You Need (Trafford Publishing) in 2008.

No other candidate in the race for 46^th Ward Alderman brings such a deep well of understanding of the issues affecting the community or such a long record of success stories in the neighborhood.  With so many years of working in the 46^th Ward, James understands what works and what doesn’t work.  He knows that the same failed fiscal policies will not bring our city closer to solvency.  He understands the need to make our streets safer and our schools more effective for all children.  Most importantly, James has a plan to move the 46^th Ward and Chicago forward.

James Cappleman lives in the Uptown neighborhood with is partner of 19 years, Richard Thale, and looks forward to further service to our community as Alderman of the 46^th Ward.

For more information on James Cappleman:  http://www.jamesforchange.com/

Endorsements

Elected Officials

Honorable Heather Steans, Illinois State Senator

Honorable Mary Ann Smith, 48th Ward Alderman

Honorable Tom Sharpe, 46th Ward Democrats

Honorable Carol Ronen, 48th Ward Democrats

Honorable Debra Shore, Metropolitan Water Reclimation Board

Honorable Mariyana Spyropoulus, Metropolitan Water Reclimation Board

Honorable Debra Mell, Illinois State Represenative

Individuals

Emily Stewart, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Andy Lam, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Befekadu Retta, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Caitlin McIntyre, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Diane Shapiro, 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate

Organizations

Personal PAC

Northside Democracy For America

National Association of Social Workers

National Democracy For America

Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

Advocacy Day – March 2nd 2011

Prairie Capital Convention Center

1 Convention Center Plaza

Springfield, IL 62701

Advocacy Day 2011 will take place at the Prairie Capital Convention Center on Wednesday  March 2nd in Springfield Illinois. We will have an expected attendance of over 800 social workers and students coming from across the state that attended a 1/2 day of educational seminars on lobbying in the state of Illinois.

Participants will spend the afternoon at the Capital lobbying for the NASW IllinoisChapter Legislative Agenda and/or issues important to them. Each participant will receive an Advocacy Day packet complete with legislative materials and tip sheets on lobbying. (See the links to the below for more information)

* Advocacy Day is a ZERO profit event for the chapter, in that any fee that is is charged is based on the costs to present the event including catered continental breakfast, printing/folder fees, and space/speaker fees.

The first elections of the first decade of the 21^st are now history. And if you on the NASW PAC Illinois website, then you probably  spent the evening channel surfing or website surfing to find the latest results, or to catch the latest pundit pontificate on this very expensive and volatile election.  Or maybe you spent your day knocking on doors for the candidate of your choice.  That was how I spent my day, along with Kyle Hillman canvassing for NASW PAC Illinois endorsed candidate for the Illinois State House of Representatives Daniel Biss.  There is something so simple yet empowering about reminding people to vote.  It also reinforces Standard 6.04 of our Code of Ethics regarding Social and Political Action – namely that “social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully.”  This feeling of empowerment is no different than the first election I worked on in 1976 as a high school senior working for independent Democrat Congressman Abner Mikva.  Although as you can see from this dated photo in the following link,  this writer is considerably older and not as thin! http://www.dailynewschicago.com/lincolnwood/?currentPage=3

How did our PAC’s endorsed candidates do? How did are federally endorsed candidates do?     The following is breakdown as of our endorsed candidates:

Governor

• Pat Quinn – W

Cook County Board President

• Toni Preckwinkle –  W

Senate

• Heather Steans – 7^th District – W
• Michael Noland – 22^nd District – no declared winner, but Noland leading
• Toi Hutchinson – 40^th District – W
• Michael Frerichs – 52^nd District – W

House

• Sara Feigenholtz – 12^th District – W
• Daniel Biss -17^th District – W
• Kevin McCarthy – 37^th District – W
• Kay Hatcher – 50^th District – W
• Sid Mathias -53^rd District – W
• Matt Flamm – 54^th District – L
• Michelle Mussman – 56^th District – no declared winner, but Mussman is leading
• Elaine Nekritz – 57^th District – W
• Carol Sente – 59^th District – W
• Lisa Dugan – 79^th District – W
• Jehan Gordan – 92^nd District – W
• Michael Puhr – 104^th District – L

National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter Political Action Committee Endorses Governor Pat Quinn for Governor

More than any other race in Illinois, the 2010 Illinois gubernatorial race presents two very different visions for the state of Illinois in how it will approach the funding of the human services sector and ultimately the fate of the state’s less fortunate. After speaking with both candidates, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter (NASW IL) Political Action Committee (PAC) announces its strong endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn.

The greatest issue facing the next governor is without question how to deal with the revenue shortfall and the structural deficit in the Illinois state budget. Senator Bill Brady’s proposal to cut all services to Illinois citizens by 10% across the board, without regard of its impact, either shows a complete lack of understanding of the realities of the state budget, or a callous approach regarding the needs of Illinois.

When asked about his budget proposal during his candidate interview, Senator Brady replied, “Like the state, people on assistance are going to have to reimagine themselves.” While this may make for a quick campaign sound bite, that statement alone reflects the lack of recognition and understanding Senator Brady has about the very real needs of the people of Illinois and how vital certain types of state assistance is to those who are less fortunate.

Is Senator Brady going to tell an abused mother seeking assistance to get out of an abusive relationship that she needs to reimagine herself? Is Senator Brady going to tell the foster child requiring mental health services to just reimagine him- or herself and that everything will be fine? How about our state’s out-of-work families, aging population, veterans, and the hundreds of thousands of other people who rely on state assistance—is Senator Brady serious that all these individuals need to reimagine themselves? Social workers understand what is takes for those less fortunate to raise themselves out of adversity. And it goes well beyond reimagining oneself.

The NASW IL PAC recognizes that there will need to be a comprehensive approach to solving the state’s budget crisis. Gutting an already stretched-too-thin human services budget, when more and more Illinois families are reluctantly turning to the state to keep their families fed and their heat on—seems unconscionable.

The NASW Code of Ethics notes that “…the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.” To accomplish the mission, the state requires a leader who understands the needs of the less fortunate.

We strongly believe that the only logical, responsible, and humane approach to the Illinois state budget crisis is a comprehensive budget approach that will look at better efficiencies in government as well as increased revenue. This is an approach Governor Pat Quinn strongly supports and an approach that will best serve the people of Illinois.

Governor Quinn has also shown his ability to support policies that will positively impact Illinois citizens across the state. He has already gotten to work implementing the Affordable Care Act in Illinois, making access to physical and behavioral health care a reality for Illinois citizens. Governor Quinn has supported important nursing home reform in Illinois and is committed to making sure choices in care are available. Governor Quinn understands the enormous challenges and potential sacrifices that lay ahead for Illinois. But he also understands that overcoming those challenges can be carried out humanely and responsibly.

NASW IL PAC is the nonpartisan political arm of the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter. As a political action committee, the NASW IL PAC endorses and financially contributes to candidates from any party who support NASW’s policy agenda. The NASW Illinois Chapter is the largest professional association of social workers in the state of Illinois numbering over 7,000 members.

Election 2010 has begun. You can already request an Absentee ballot, and today marks the start of early voting across the great State of Illinois.  Any registered voter can participate, you just need a valid driver’s license, state issued ID card, or another government issued ID card with a photograph. You no longer need a reason why you are early voting…just go and vote. To find your nearest early voting location click here.

NASW IL PAC

NASW ILLINOIS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE ENDORSES
PRECKWINKLE FOR COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT

Chicago, IL— Citing her commitment to all citizens of Cook County and her desire to fix the county government while paying attention to the needs of the county’s less fortunate, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter (NASW IL) Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsement of Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President.

In an election where state and county candidates are willing to decimate human services in order to balance their respective budgets, the NASW Illinois PAC finds Toni Preckwinkle’s careful and empathetic approach to Cook County issues to be refreshing and innovative.

“Toni Preckwinkle is a leader that the citizens of Cook County need. An effective, proven legislator, she will work to ensure that county health services are efficient and effective, that vital human services are supported throughout the county, and that social workers will play a part in providing these vital services,” noted NASW Illinois PAC Chair Joe Harper.

NASW IL PAC is the nonpartisan political arm of the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter. As a political action committee, the NASW IL PAC endorses and financially contributes to candidates from any party who support NASW’s policy agenda. The NASW Illinois Chapter is the largest professional association of social workers in the state of Illinois numbering over 7,000 members. Over 3,000 NASW IL members work in Cook County alone.

If you would like to schedule an interview regarding the NASW Illinois PAC endorsements, please contact, NASW IL PAC, at pac@naswilpac.org .

While every year’s election seem pivotal, the upcoming November 2010 elections will greatly determine the future of social work and the human services in Illinois. Many of the crucial decisions that impact funding for human services in the state will be made leaders elected by Illinois citizens next month. It is therefore crucial to endorse candidates who support legislation and policies consistent with the goals of the social work profession.

This is one of the main purposes of the NASW Illinois Chapter’s Political Action Committee (PAC) which is separately incorporated and supported by voluntary contributions from NASW members, not association dues. Our endorsement process for much of the past decade has been member-driven, with social workers conducting face-to-face interviews all summer with candidates and incumbents around the state. This process fulfills another purpose of our PAC, that of promoting political education and full participation in the electoral process by members of the social work profession.

At its endorsement session, the NASW Illinois PAC made the following endorsements. The races selected were targeted by the PAC in the spring.

Click the candidate’s name to learn more about them. If you would also liek to volunteer your time to help one of our endorsed candidates please click the Volunteer button above.

Governor

• Pat Quinn

Cook County Board President

• Toni Preckwinkle

Senate

• Heather Steans – 7^th District
• Michael Noland – 22^nd District
• Toi Hutchinson – 40^th District
• Michael Frerichs – 52^nd District

House

• Sara Feigenholtz – 12^th District
• Daniel Biss -17^th District
• Kevin McCarthy – 37^th District
• Kay Hatcher – 50^th District
• Sid Mathias -53^rd District
• Matt Flamm – 54^th District
• Michelle Mussman – 56^th District
• Elaine Nekritz – 57^th District
• Carol Sente – 59^th District
• Lisa Dugan – 79^th District
• Jehan Gordan – 92^nd District
• Michael Puhr – 104^th District

NASWIL PAC is the non-partisan political arm of the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  As a political action committee, NASW IL PAC endorses and financially contributes to candidates from any party who support NASW’s policy agenda. The national PACE Board of Trustees * endorses (endorsement process and criteria)* and contributes to federal candidates running for U.S. House and Senate seats; state chapter PAC units decide on local and state races.

NASW PAC Illinois would like to thank the following members who interviewed candidates this summer:

• Sue Murphy
• Joel L. Rubin
• Gary Kenzer
• Nancy Hanson
• Ireta Gasner
• Mary Gollings
• Chasity Wells-Armstrong
• Quincy Jenkins
• Joan Lodge
• Vicki Alden
• Marc Feldstein
• Linda Simkins