Manley Works to Create Illinois Council on Women and Girls

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is supporting legislation to create an Illinois Council on Women and Girls aimed at increasing public dialogue and legislative action for women.

“Last year, Governor Rauner vetoed legislation that would have helped address the wage gap for women,” Manley said. “This is just one example of where the needs of women in our community are not fully understood or supported by some elected officials. In its capacity, the council will help elected officials gain a better understanding about the unique challenges women and girls face and will promote legislative solutions that will bring greater equality to all members of our community.”

Manley is backing House Bill 5544, which creates the Illinois Council on Women and Girls. The council, comprised of appointees by the legislature and the governor’s office, will be tasked with presenting policy proposals to the governor and General Assembly twice a year. They will be asked to focus on polices that will increase educational, economic and leadership opportunities for women and girls from every background across the state.

“I am fortunate to be able to learn from so many great women living in our community, many ow which serve on my Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee” Manley said. “Whether they are advocating for better mental health services in our schools at community meetings, coming to encourage legislators to vote for gun safety measures in Springfield, or sharing their experience working two jobs at once to make sure that their children have everything they need, they truly are an inspiration. I hope that this council will help make changes that we need in Illinois to help women, girls, and all members of our community reach their fullest potential.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.