SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois House Executive Committee, chaired by State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, is holding a series of subject matter hearings on the impact of data centers on local communities. 

“We need to center our conversations on data centers around community impact,” said Williams. “Noise, air quality, water and energy usage are significant concerns for local residents.” 

On Wednesday, the Executive Committee hosted its first subject matter hearing on data centers, titled “Data Center Local Impacts.” Throughout this session, committee members heard from various experts and local government officials, including DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes and Aurora Mayor John Laesch. The mayors shared their perspective on the positive economic impact that data centers have on their surrounding area, but also addressed concerns regarding noise, energy needs and water usage.

“As data center development continues in Illinois, we need to put the needs people first. That means  safeguards to protect residents from rising utility costs, preserve natural resources and address community concerns.”

The second hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 15 and will focus on “Data Center Energy Use.” The third hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 22, and will address “Data Center Water Use.” Both meetings will take place in Springfield but can be streamed live at www.ilga.gov. 

For more information on these hearings, please contact ann@repannwilliams.com or the House Executive Committee staff at executivecommittee@hds.ilga.gov. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, is speaking out about the illegal and corrupt actions committed by the Trump Administration, passing official condemnations of Trump’s reckless tariffs and misguided foreign policy, drastic cuts to child care and familial life lines, and the deadly immigration force employed by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that has killed close to 50 individuals, including U.S. citizens.

“The Trump Administration has been playing fast and loose with the rules,” said Williams. “And families across the country are suffering because of it. The House Resolutions we passed show that we’re tired of his flagrant disregard for our people, and we’re going to do everything we can to protect and help them.”

The Williams-backed resolutions call out Trump’s unchecked military operations that span from Venezuela to threatening a forceful seizure of Greenland—surmounting the cost it would take to stabilize SNAP benefits for more than 310,000 Americans back home. Williams also called for the expired subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be reinstated immediately. Additionally, Williams called out the domestic, lethal extremism led by Noem that has scarred U.S. cities nationwide through unfounded shootings, illegal detainments and the refusal of due process, a protection guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

Williams voted to:

• Urge Congress to reinstate the healthcare subsidies within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to keep healthcare affordable and accessible for over 500,000 Illinoisans who depend on the ACA marketplace.
• Call for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.
• Prompt the United States Treasury to issue $2,000 payments to every American household with an annual income below $250,000 to account for the lost wages and savings undone by Donald Trump’s tariff scheme that raised prices for every U.S. family.
• Call on Congress to hold Donald Trump accountable for his illegal use of military action and American dollars to fund illegitimate operations, including in Venezuela, unprovoked attacks toward Cuba and Iran, and threats of forcefully pursuing Greenland’s autonomous territory.
• Condemn the excessive and deadly force deployed by civil immigration agents under the direction of Noem, by calling for her immediate resignation and an independent investigation into committed, directed or covered up acts of violence, killings and deaths in immigration custody.

“As we move forward, our focus remains clear,” said Williams. “We’re going to prioritize making our state a place where people can feel safe, and they don’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford their groceries and monthly bills.”

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. – State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, released the following statement Thursday, celebrating the passage of legislation implementing an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools after years of negotiations and advocate input: “We are delivering on a promise years in the making. I believe this bill is fair, equitable and responsible, and importantly, will give a voice and vote to every Chicagoan right out of the gate. Our new map reflects the diversity, input and values of Chicago’s many vibrant communities.”

“Starting this fall, every Chicago voter can elect candidates for school board who reflect their values and priorities for the Chicago Public Schools,” said Williams.

“I was proud to support this historic bill, and appreciate the hard work, commitment and passion of all the countless advocates and community members who worked so hard on this issue over so many years.”

“I look forward to working with all the school board candidates to make the Chicago Public Schools the best they can be for all Chicago’s students.”

Williams’ Senate Bill 15 codifies district boundaries and an election procedure consistent with a compromise phasing in a fully-elected Chicago school board. This plan allows every Chicago voter to elect a Chicago School Board member in 2024. Ten elected representatives will serve alongside appointed members, who must also reside in those specific districts. Beginning in 2026, the districts will be subdivided into 20 districts, and voters will select a fully elected board. A board president will also be elected citywide in 2026.

CHICAGO – State Representative Ann Williams, D-Chicago, has been named the 2023-2024 Illinois State Lead for the National Conference of Environmental Legislators. In this role, Williams will serve as Illinois’ liaison to the leading national organization of state legislators focused on environmental issues, clean energy policy and growing the green economy. 

CHICAGO, IL – State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, will continue her work to protect our environment, address the climate crisis, spur renewable energy development and create green jobs as she begins another term as Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee.

“I am honored to continue working in this critical space,”  Williams said. “As Chair, I understand that economic development and solid environmental policy go hand in hand. Clean energy jobs are fueling significant economic growth – while helping to address the escalating climate crisis.”

“Climate change and the resulting environmental catastrophes are existential threats we must face with strong and comprehensive policy, and I know Representative Williams is the right person to meet this moment,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Her experience and knowledge on environmental issues is invaluable, and I am confident that Representative Williams and her colleagues will continue to make Illinois a leader in climate action and clean-energy fueled economic development.”

Williams has previously served as Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee and was one of the architects of the nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). In her role as Chair, she created an Environmental Justice subcommittee and has worked to ensure all communities have a seat at the table when environmental initiatives and policies are developed.

Today, I was honored to participate in the bill signing of the long-awaited clean energy package, a comprehensive nation-leading climate bill that will put Illinois communities and consumers first. 

The new law will preserve our nuclear fleet as a bridge to a renewable energy future and will invest in significant renewable energy development. It will create equitable jobs in communities throughout Illinois and will ensure strong utility accountability and oversight. All of this on a foundation of equity and inclusion. 

Since March of 2019, when I introduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act, I have been working toward the passage of clean energy legislation. I’ve been involved in countless working groups, public meetings legislative hearings with stakeholders, community members, environmental advocates, youth leaders, and others in an effort to craft a bill which will move Illinois toward a clean energy future. And we did it. 

The bill is a product of months of intense and challenging negotiations. While no bill is perfect, I think we’ve struck the right balance, at the right time, with the passage of SB2408. It incorporates many of the priorities and critical provisions included in CEJA, as well as the 45% interim carbon reduction emissions target for municipal coal plants, including the Praire State Energy Campus, the 7th largest carbon emitter in the country. 

 The law creates – for the first time – a solid decarbonization plan for Illinois, ensuring a complete and just transition from fossil fuel power generation to a renewable energy future by having a carbon-free power sector by 2045, with significant coal and gas plant closures leading up to that date.

I am grateful for the hard work of all those who have invested so much time, energy, and commitment to make today happen. Today was a good day. Today was a historic day.

But the climate conversation is far from over.

In an unprecedented joint statement last week, over 200 medical journals warned that the rapidly warming climate is the “greatest threat” to public health globally and urged leaders to cut emissions to avoid catastrophic, irreversible harm. Addressing this ongoing and deepening threat to the lives and health of all who inhabit this planet will take ongoing, aggressive, and sustained action at all levels of government. 

Today is just the beginning.  

For more details about the specifics of the new law, please click HERE. To read the actual language of the bill, click HERE. 

CHICAGO, IL – Joined alongside fellow lawmakers, advocates, and Gov. Pritzker last week, state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, recognized the passage of two progressive, LGBTQ-centered bills establishing the Marriage Certificate Modernization Act, which have been signed into law.

“A marriage certificate is so much more than just a piece of paper – it reflects the foundation of a partnership, of your family. It is a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner,” said Williams. “It should accurately reflect who you are, but for many Illinoisans, it did not. But now it can—and it will.”

Williams’ House Bill 2590 establishes a process by which county clerks may issue non-gendered marriage certificates and enables gender-identifiers to clear up the record if two individuals are already married. Additionally, Senate Bill 139 allows individuals who are currently married to request a marriage certificate from a county clerk’s office free of gender-specific language.

“These simple changes which ensure marriage certificates are accurate both in terms of name and gender, may seem small, but are incredibly significant to those impacted,” Williams said. “Every Illinoisan deserves this, and it should not be discretionary on the part of a local clerk to make a determination for you and your family. These bills send a clear message to all of Illinois that we welcome every person as they are, for who they are. We see you, we hear you, and we are committed to upholding core values which enable you to identify as who you are.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A major package of stronger protections against sexual harassment and state ethics reforms championed by Speaker Michael J. Madigan and House Democrats is now law.

Compiling legislation introduced by representatives and senators throughout the spring session, House Democrats crafted a wide-reaching omnibus bill combatting harassment in both public and private sector workplaces. This legislation follows major internal reforms to House operations done in cooperation between Madigan and members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus to begin changing the culture in state government.

“Building better cultures is not a quick or easy job, but it is a necessary one,” Madigan said. “Harassment occurs in every workplace, and must be addressed in every workplace. It is not exclusively a public sector or private sector problem. It is not exclusively a Democratic or Republican problem. It is a challenge we all face. So it’s appropriate that this bill represents a truly collaborative effort of Democrats and Republicans, representatives and senators, public employers and private employers. I thank all those whose participation and ideas made this bill stronger. We must remain resolved to facing this challenge together and combatting harassment wherever it occurs.” 

Senate Bill 75 provides new protections for private-sector workers, by:

• Requiring all employers to provide sexual harassment training at least once per year to their employees. Restaurants and bars will be required to provide specialized training and adopt anti-harassment policies;
• Prohibiting employers from requiring as a condition of employment that an employee keep quiet or waive their rights regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation;
• Ensuring the Illinois Human Rights Act covers discrimination on actual or perceived protected characteristics, as well as harassment, and expanding the Human Rights Act to prohibit harassment against contractors.
• Requiring employers to report final judicial or administrative findings and settlements concerning sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination with the Department of Human Rights;
• Requiring hotels and casinos to equip employees working alone with a panic button or other safety device.

“While we have made significant strides within state government to make sure those who have endured unacceptable behavior are heard and respected, this measure expands our focus to acknowledge the challenges faced by women and at-risk individuals throughout our workforce,” said state Rep. Ann Williams, the bill’s chief sponsor. “In particular, this bill recognizes the vulnerable position of those working in bars, restaurants and hotels, and makes Illinois a leader in ensuring their voices are heard too.”

Additionally, the bill takes a number of steps to further overhaul state ethics laws, including:

• Expanding rights for persons who have faced harassment or discrimination, including ensuring they can receive notice of their rights and the inspector general’s decision to open or close an investigation, testify before an ethics commission, make an impact statement part of the inspector general’s report, and review any inspector general summary report, suggest redactions, and file a response;
• Giving inspectors general more time to investigate and file complaints with the ethics commission; and
• Requiring local governments to provide for reporting and independent review of sexual harassment involving local elected officials.

“By compiling the ideas of Democrats and Republicans from both the House and Senate, we have produced a comprehensive, bipartisan and wide-reaching bill,” said state Rep. Kathleen Willis, who serves on the Legislative Ethics Commission and helped facilitate negotiations on the bill. “The work of combatting harassment and reforming our government is ongoing, and we must continue to work together to build a better culture for all.”

This legislation follows significant reforms within state government and House operations. In 2017, the House approved Madigan’s legislation making sexual harassment a violation of the Ethics Act and mandating training for all legislators, constitutional officers, state employees and lobbyists. Additionally, legislators formed a House Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Task Force, which met more than a dozen times and issued a public report outlining the testimony and recommendations of survivors, advocates and experts.

Since October 2017, Madigan has personally met with women from every department in the Office of the Speaker to discuss their views of the work environment and get their feedback on necessary changes. At the Speaker’s direction, every director has met with each employee to discuss the working environment and seek input on recommendations for changes.

Based on these recommendations and working in partnership with the members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, Madigan has implemented major internal reforms within the Office of the Speaker, including:

• Adopting a zero-tolerance policy for harassment;
• Retaining outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation of practices and allegations of any discrimination or harassment;
• Hiring a full-time equal opportunity employment officer who is available to all employees; and
• Updating personnel rules and instituting new requirements for reporting and handling allegations of discrimination or harassment.

“No one bill or reform on its own will end the harassment and discrimination faced by so many throughout our state – but through greater awareness and resolve to do better, we can make all workplaces fairer and more welcoming,” Deputy House Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth said. “Speaker Madigan and House Democrats are committed to ensuring that everyone—whether their workplace is the State Capitol or a local restaurant—knows their voice will be heard, their rights will be respected and their concerns will be acted upon.” 

“Speaker Madigan and the members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus share a commitment to working toward a culture in state government and throughout Illinois that refuses to tolerate harassment and refuses to look away from unacceptable behavior,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kelly Burke. “This legislation builds on the steps we have taken within the Capitol and recognizes that women working throughout Illinois must be heard. This partnership between Speaker Madigan, the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, and senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle is critical to our ongoing effort to build a better culture for all.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –To reduce the gender wage gap, state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation to address the pay discrepancies between men and women in Illinois.

“Obviously, we should have equal pay for equal work,” Williams said. “It’s 2017 – the fact that women in the workplace still, on average, earn 79 cents on the dollar to their male colleagues is ridiculous.”

Williams is one of the sponsors of House Resolution 124, designating April 4, 2017 as Pay Equity Day in Illinois. This measure highlights how long women have to work in one year in order to earn the same pay their male counterparts received in the previous year. She is also cosponsoring House Bill 2462, which requires employers to pay women the same as equally qualified men doing the same job. This legislation prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their previous wages, a practice that can lock women in to lower pay for their entire careers. This measure also bars companies from requiring employees to sign contracts that would prevent them from discussing their salary.

“The significance of this issue has not gone away and it must be a priority until we address it head on,” Williams said. “When people do the same job, they deserve the same pay.”