SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement clarifying that President Trump’s chaotic and confusing executive order restricting access to lawful health care for transgender youth and young adults has no impact on access in Illinois and reinforcing his and thirteen other Attorneys Generals’ commitment to fight efforts to interfere with access to life saving health care in our state. The House Dobbs Working Group is grateful to AG Raoul and his partners in 13 states for recognizing the importance of reinforcing our commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community from the hateful attacks coming from the administration.

“AG Raoul has been a steadfast partner in our working group’s efforts to establish meaningful protections for reproductive and gender affirming care since day one. His statement today provides critical reassurance to patients, families, and providers who are understandably frightened and confused as we’ve seen facilities around the country comply in advance with these outrageous orders without a fight,” said Working Group Chair Kelly Cassidy. “Taken alongside yesterday’s reassurance from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, it’s a clear message that at this point the words in the EO are simply that.”

Families and providers are encouraged to follow reliable resources, such as Advocates for Trans Equality, for updates as the situation evolves and the administration takes steps to implement it. House Dobbs Working Group members:

Dagmara Avelar – 85th district

“In Illinois, we continue to protect women and all people who are seeking reproductive and gender affirming care. The Trump administration continues to reduce rights to minorities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, but the House Dobbs Working Group will continue to assure all Illinois residents that they are seen and protected. In this state, healthcare, whether it be reproductive or gender affirming, will continue to be provided to the communities and people who need them because it’s a necessary service to live happy healthy lives.”

Mary Beth Canty – 54th district

“During my time in the Dobbs Working Group, Attorney General Raoul has been a great ally fighting the radical interest groups looking to curtail access to essential healthcare. Our approach as lawmakers has to be policy-focused, but not neglectful of the need for clear and prompt communication,” said Rep. Mary Beth Canty. “Fear and doubt regarding the rights to personal freedom and bodily autonomy can do serious damage. Reassurances like Attorney General Raoul’s are vital to the common good.”

Terra Costa Howard – 42nd district

“Personal health decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their healthcare teams,” said Rep. Terra Costa Howard. “There is no place for government interference in these private decisions, and I am proud that the State of Illinois is standing up against this Administration’s attacks on our fundamental rights.”

Margaret Croke – 12th district

“While the Trump administration lacks regard for human impact, here in Illinois, we’re fighting for what’s best for our residents. That means continuing to protect the rights of the many patients and families who rely on reproductive and gender-affirming care, which not only allows people to authentically be their best selves, but also in many cases, saves lives,” said Rep. Margaret Croke.

Kim duBuclet – 5th district

“While Washington tries to strip away fundamental rights and dignity, we’re moving Illinois in a better direction,” DuBuclet said. “They may do everything in their power to take away a person’s right to control their own body, but we remain committed to protecting gender-affirming care so that everyone can live with dignity and fulfillment.”

Lilian Jimenez – 4th district

“I applaud the Attorney General’s efforts to defend the right to essential lifesaving medical treatment in Illinois,” Rep. Lilian Jiménez said. “President Trump’s attacks on trans and queer youth are cruel, but the cruelty is the point. His abuse of executive power to strip away healthcare access, particularly for those seeking gender affirming care, is yet another calculated assault on our communities. I am committed to confronting these injustices head on and defending the right to lifesaving medical care. Access to affordable, high-quality care is already a significant challenge for everyday working families, and we will not allow this to continue. More work can, must, and will be done.”

Gregg Johnson – 72nd district

“The right to make medical decisions – without interference from politicians – is under attack in this country once again. Trump’s callous executive order targets some of the most vulnerable kids in our communities and it has no place in our state,” said state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island. “I’m proud to be working with Attorney General Raoul and the rest of my colleagues to craft a future where medical decisions in Illinois are kept safe from political interference.”

Anna Moeller – 43rd district

“It’s unfortunate, but sadly unsurprising, that rather than using the ‘bully pulpit’ to lead, President Trump is instead using it just to be a bully,” said Rep. Anna Moeller. “Here in Illinois, we’re not having it, and I’m looking forward to continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with AG Raoul and my colleagues in the House to keep our state safe and supportive for all.”

Yolonda Morris – 9th district

“Everyone has the right to make choices about their bodies,” Rep. Yolonda Morris said. “Ensuring that young people have access to a full range of care is critical not only to their wellbeing, but to the compassionate communities we aim to build.”

Kevin Olickal – 16th district

“Trans people have always existed – and always will,” said Rep. Kevin Olickal. “Attacks on their access to safety and healthcare only fuel fear and harm, making an already vulnerable community even more unsafe. I remain an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and will always advocate for their right to live safely and openly.”

Ann Williams – 11th district

“I am proud to have worked on landmark protections for those seeking and providing reproductive care in the state of Illinois, including blocking out of state prosecutors from criminally charging individuals crossing state lines and codifying coverage of reproductive and HIV treatment medications,” Rep. Ann Williams said. “There’s no doubt that the next four years will put our ability to safeguard reproductive care to the test. Along with the Dobbs Working Group, I am committed to creating accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare at home and taking the fight to those who would take us back.”

And Jehan Gordon-Booth – 92nd district

Attorney General Raoul’s Statement:

https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-reaffirms- commitment-to-protecting-access-to-gender-affirming-care

Lurie Children’s Hospital Statement:

GENDER CARE

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is proud to provide access to comprehensive, family-centric, and developmentally appropriate healthcare in a safe and inclusive clinical space. We are reviewing the recent Executive Orders addressing gender care and assessing any potential impact to the clinical services we offer to our patient families.

Our team will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care, grounded in science and compassion for the patient-families we are so privileged to serve.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Focused on building a stronger Illinois that offers more opportunity for everyone, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, supported a fiscally and socially responsible state budget plan Saturday that prioritizes investment for classrooms, public safety efforts and critically- needed health care.
“This balanced budget protects core essential services residents depend on, and is a reflection of our priorities and values,” Croke said. “It builds on our work to remove dangerous weapons of war from our streets, and it underscores our commitment to be a national leader when it comes to reproductive freedoms.”
The budget plan Croke supported includes millions more for early childhood education, childcare and higher education grants that allow more people to pursue a degree. As part of the state’s evidence- based funding model, schools will see a $350 million funding increase. First responders will receive $100 million, while another $138 million is headed toward the state’s rainy-day fund to prepare for future challenges. On top of the state’s statutory requirements, another $200 million will further assist pension funds and create greater long-term stability.
Croke also led passage this session of a proposal to target school bullying and ensure parents are informed of what their child is going through (House Bill 3425). She also passed a plan that clarifies HMO laws to allow patients to access in-network services and providers without actively obtaining a referral from their primary care physician (House Bill 1186).
“This has been a productive session, but there’s still a lot more work left to do to help families across our state,” Croke said. “I’m looking forward to the conversations I will have with stakeholders across our community this summer, and of the solutions we will be able to work on together.”
For more information, please contact Info@RepCroke.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:

“The budget we develop must reflect our values as a state, and that starts by prioritizing investment in affordable child care and investing in our education system. If we want every child to unlock their full potential, we must support every step of their development from early childhood through college. Let’s use our budget process as an opportunity to expand grants for students looking for help – such as the Monetary Award Program – as well as programs that work to recruit and retain high-quality teachers.

“I’m encouraged by the progress our state has made in recent years to get our fiscal affairs in order. We’ve improved our credit ratings, paid off billions in old unpaid bills and positioned ourselves to have greater financial flexibility. It’s critical that we continue to make smart choices, and responsibly use this year’s budget to help tackle the issues families are facing.

“I am particularly interested in seeing how we can better support behavioral health programs, housing assistance, reproductive freedoms, public safety, local school funding and other essential services that families depend on. The governor and I share a lot of similar priorities, and I look forward to further reviewing his proposed budget in detail.

“Today kicked off the budget process, and a lot of work still remains. I will continue to engage local stakeholders in the days ahead to make sure the final budget we pass represents our community as best as possible.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – Following her ongoing efforts to keep her community safe from the threat of violent crime, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, passed legislation cracking down on organized retail theft. It is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.

“As our community’s representative in Springfield, it’s my responsibility to address the problems constituents are facing,” Croke said. “Small business owners are just getting back on their feet following the COVID-19 pandemic. Often, they’re rebuilding something they’ve created from the ground up, and criminals coming in and destroying that is a very personal crime. It has to stop.”

Croke spearheaded the passage of House Bill 1091, which creates the offense of Organized Retail Crime with the aim of addressing smash-and-grab thefts from small businesses and targets the organizers of retail crime rings. These crimes occur when a person or group knowingly commits the act of retail theft from one or more sales establishments, while committing assault and battery or intentional destruction of property.

 “I’m committed to preserving public safety in our community and putting a stop to crimes like this,” Croke said. “When you see the results of crimes like organized retail theft, you have an obligation to act. I’m confident this measure will help put a stop to it, and I urge the governor to sign it into law.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to improve public safety, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, recently helped pass a measure to cut down on street racing and dangerous stunts also known as ‘street sideshows’, which put lives at risk.

“By disregarding speed limits and traffic laws, street racing presents a clear danger to our community; one I am committed to combating,” Croke said. “People engaging in this behavior are putting many lives at risk—including on Lake Shore Drive, which runs through the 12th district. This measure cracks down on those facilitating street racing, as well as those engaging in street sideshows, such as stunts like jumping cars over gaps, which jeopardize other drivers and pedestrians.”

Croke is helping lead the charge to pass House Bill 5439, which creates new penalties for cars helping facilitate street racing by obstructing traffic or interfering with other drivers to clear space on highways. This bill also establishes laws barring drivers from performing or facilitating ‘street sideshows’, such as stunts like jumping cars over gaps or driving circular ‘donuts’. She is a chief co-sponsor on this bill, joining Reps. La Shawn Ford and Michael Marron. Following its unanimous bipartisan approval in the House, the Senate is now considering HB 5439.

Fatal traffic accidents have recently been rising across the state, but in Chicago especially. In 2020, they shot up by almost 50%. New data indicates the dangerous trend continued in 2021.

“This bill targets drivers who are facilitating street racing and dangerous stunts, as the crimes would not be possible without them,” Croke said. “Fatal accidents are on the rise, and we cannot stand by while innocent lives are in danger.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – In a continued effort to promote public safety, state Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, backed a measure to combat the theft of catalytic converters currently plaguing Illinois drivers.

“Public safety is a priority for me, and improving that requires a comprehensive approach to addressing the common problems facing our community, such as catalytic converter theft,” Croke said. “This bill, which I am committed to continuing to work on with Reps. Ford, Andrade, and Jacobs, would have directly combatted these crimes, as opposed to imposing draconian punishments that just put more people in jail.”

House Bill 4167 would require scrap metal dealers and automotive parts processors, common purchasers of catalytic converters, to see and record the driver’s license of the owner of the car providing the converter. Croke successfully voted to pass HB 4167 out of the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges committee, but it was not addressed on the House floor this session. This legislation was supported by AAA.

“Catalytic converter theft is not a problem that simply affects Chicago. Up and down Illinois, communities are feeling the effects of these crimes,” Croke said. “We cannot allow our state to become a place where drivers feel unsafe just parking outside.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“As we go to the negotiating table to craft the next budget, I want my priorities to be clear: we must fully fund pensions, pay back unpaid bills and guarantee law enforcement has the tools they need to keep Illinois families safe.

“The current state of public safety in Illinois cannot continue, and our next budget must reflect the need for change, not hamper first responders charged with bringing criminals to justice. Combining that support for law enforcement with more funding for violence interrupters and community-based programs, we can overcome the criminal justice challenges in our state quickly and effectively.

“I am encouraged by Governor Pritzker’s words regarding his commitment to funding pensions and paying back bills. Neglecting the pension commitment is not an option and leaving our bills unpaid cannot continue.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but I’m eager to get to join my colleagues and community partners to tackle such important work.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – New ethics standards and government transparency requirements that have long been needed in Illinois will be made law under legislation State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, helped pass.

“Public trust in elected officials is critical and I’m absolutely committed to building that trust,” Croke said. “Our community deserves to be represented by officials who will act with the interests of the people in mind, not backdoor dollars from lobbyists or promises of future financial opportunities. Bringing more transparency into our lawmaking system and setting regulations on the process will ensure that kind of behavior doesn’t happen.”

Croke put her support behind Senate Bill 539, ethics reform legislation designed to put an end to public officials enriching themselves on the job. The legislation prohibits elected officials from lobbying on behalf of those who have lobbied them, creates buffer periods between retirement from influential public positions and accepting lobbying jobs, and many technical changes to lobbying behavior for the purposes of transparency.

“This legislation is just one of many steps I plan to take to make sure our government works within the lines and solely for the people of Illinois,” Croke said. “Our communities have spoken loud and clear: they don’t want bought-and-paid-for politicians working in Springfield anymore. I don’t intend to ignore their voices ever.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, issued this statement following the completion of the 2021 spring session:

“Despite the challenges of this session, I’m proud to say I, along with my colleagues, have made great strides towards overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and returning our state to normal. Administering millions of vaccinations, expanding access to affordable health care, and ensuring housing for Illinois families who have lost steady income has been critical to healing our state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic made clear that there is a serious need to improve our state’s health care system. While our public health professionals made enormous sacrifices and helped millions, serious economic disparities are a problem for many people. This past session, I helped put an end to unfair practices from pharmaceutical and insurance corporations that jack up prescription costs for Illinois families.

“Illinois also needs to move to the forefront of emerging technologies. I took the lead on legislation to make Illinois a new beacon for companies working with cryptocurrency, a booming technology that will bring countless new jobs and revenue to our state. With advancements like this, we can build a sustainable economy.”

“In the coming months, Illinois will continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I will keep working with both sides of the aisle to ensure that families throughout the state have the resources they need to thrive.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, issued this statement following the completion of the 2021 spring session:

“Despite the challenges of this session, I’m proud to say I, along with my colleagues, have made great strides towards overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and returning our state to normal. Administering millions of vaccinations, expanding access to affordable health care, and ensuring housing for Illinois families who have lost steady income has been critical to healing our state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic made clear that there is a serious need to improve our state’s health care system. While our public health professionals made enormous sacrifices and helped millions, serious economic disparities are a problem for many people. This past session, I helped put an end to unfair practices from pharmaceutical and insurance corporations that jack up prescription costs for Illinois families.

“Illinois also needs to move to the forefront of emerging technologies. I took the lead on legislation to make Illinois a new beacon for companies working with cryptocurrency, a booming technology that will bring countless new jobs and revenue to our state. With advancements like this, we can build a sustainable economy.”

“In the coming months, Illinois will continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I will keep working with both sides of the aisle to ensure that families throughout the state have the resources they need to thrive.”