Lisa Hernandez Stands with Tradeswomen for 2nd Annual AFL CIO Takeover Day, Authors Passionate Defense of Workers Rights on House Floor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, joined tradeswomen from across Illinois at the Capitol to rally support for construction and building tradespeople targeted by President Trump’s attacks on equity programs and workers rights.

“More than 200 tradespeople from every corner of our state come to us in their time of need today, demanding that we take a stand for them and all who want to participate in the great American tradition of dreaming, doing and building,” Hernandez said. “As a card-carrying union member, I am proud to be the first to take a stand today on the Floor and in the halls of the Capitol and say that we will not go back to a time where women were silenced, excluded and told their dreams are not worth our support.”

Hernandez’s House Resolution 161 offers an impassioned defense of the right to organize and safe workplaces free from discrimination. HR 161 also highlights the need for equity programs that have opened doors for countless women, minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Despite a storied history of building and doing, for too long, women were told that they don’t belong in the spaces where we design the future,” Hernandez said. “Our long fight for equality is again threatened by a president who sees women from all walks of life and backgrounds as ‘diversity hires’ and not those who are just as qualified to get the job done. Illinois connected the nation by roads, airports, and rail; we cannot continue to build the future we want to see if we exclude the women who have a stake in that future.”