Illinois

State Directors letter to the editor posted in the Journal Standard.

Dear Friend,

We are in a spiritual battle for the soul of America!

We are reminded: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

Attempts by the Democratic Party, the liberal media, and pundits to discredit and thwart the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh increase with the latest being an accusation concerning an alleged sexual misconduct as a teenager.  I would never want to overlook, diminish, or accept the abuse of women in any form. Yet, the evidence before us suggests this accusation just does not fit with the well-attested character of this man. Read Penny Nance’s excellent response to this allegation on usatoday.com, Kavanaugh, Too? Christine Blasey Ford’s Account is Missing Key Details of Assault.)

For the eight years that Obama was in power, the Democratic Party, knowing their agenda and ideology would not pass muster in the legislature, appointed liberal judges to legislate from the bench.  This is one of the main reasons our nation finds itself in such a quandary.

This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles.  It is grounded in truth, and only by adhering to God’s truth will our nation remain free. That is why the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh and the election of conservatives to legislative offices on all levels is so important.  Having an individual that respects the constitution is crucial; it will determine the direction of our country for generations to come.

It’s time to pray. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord … and who labors fervently in prayer. The greatest force for change on behalf of our families and country is indeed prayer and the responsibilities that come with our citizenship in a free country. All the resources of God Almighty are at our disposal, and He rules in all the affairs of men, and nothing is too hard for Him.

“Prayer is an effort of will.”  ~ Oswald Chambers 

Pray:

• Pray for our U.S. Senators, Dick Durbin, and Tami Duckworth. Pray that the schemes of those attempting to discredit Kavanaugh would be thwarted. Pray for the Senate as a whole, may Judge Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed.
• Pray for President Trump and Vice President Pence. Pray that the Spirit will bestow upon them every spiritual gift that is needed to govern our nation.  May they look to God for wisdom, courage and strength.
• Pray for our legislators. Pray for laws to reflect Biblical principles and follow the intent of the United States Constitution.  For God-given wisdom in legislation and courts. For righteous leaders with integrity.
• Pray that God’s Will be done in the upcoming elections. Pray for a safe, honest election and that ballots cast will be credited to whom it was intended.  Pray for righteous leaders with integrity to be elected to office.  Pray that Christians will uphold their duty to vote and that they will vote their values, not their party.

It’s time to take action. James speaks of the importance of taking action when commending heroes of the faith, “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (2:24).

Act: Even if you’ve already contacted our U.S. Senators, Dick Durbin (D) and Tami Duckworth (D), be sure to both call and email their offices again today.  Ask them to vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Let them know that you still support the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh and that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D): email and call (202) 224-2152
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D): email and call (202) 224-2854

“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” – Ronald Reagan

The time is NOW to take our stand!  America depends upon us!

Blessings,

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
815-297-2918

If you desire to help us continue our mission to establish God’s righteousness in Illinois state government, please donate online.  Or, send a contribution directly to CWA of Illinois at 1255 W. Empire Street, Freeport, IL  61032.  Write your check out to “Concerned Women for America” and put “CWA of IL” on the memo line.

Please visit the CWA of Illinois web page to see how you can become involved on a state level.

Dear friend,

CWA of Illinois stands with President Donald J. Trump’s choice of Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to fill Justice Anthony Kennedy’s vacancy at the United States Supreme Court! 

Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, issued the following statement: 

“This is an historic moment for the United States. This is why conservative women voted overwhelmingly for Donald J. Trump – to ensure that a proper constitutional balance is restored to our nation’s highest court. President Trump made a promise to the American people and, just as with the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch, he is delivering on that promise. Judge Brett Kavanaugh is abundantly qualified to sit on the bench of the United States Supreme Court. He is among the best and brightest jurists on the appellate courts with a reputation of being fair and impartial in his decisions. Judge Kavanaugh is known as a judge who respects the Constitution as written, refusing to legislate from the bench. This is what we need at this time on the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Concerned Women for America of Illinois stands with our CEO in support of our president and Judge Kavanaugh. Through prayer and action we will fight the good fight of faith against any and all attacks designed to stop the will of God from being fulfilled in this historic time. As Penny also stated, “This is not just about us; this is about our children and their children. This is about the future of this nation for generations to come, and we plan on giving everything we have in order to leave them a Supreme Court that will protect their liberties and uphold our Constitution.” Our leadership in Washington, D.C., has done their homework and has deemed Judge Kavanaugh an outstanding choice.

Please Pray: 1) for God to give CWA and the many who stand with them wisdom to effectively address the opposition; 2) that the U.S. Senate will confirm him expeditiously; 3) that Judge Kavanaugh will fulfill his role as another great justice, defending families and protecting the lives of our children.

Please Take Action:

1.     Email your U.S. Senators and let them know that you support Judge Kavanaugh as your choice for Supreme Court Justice.  Ask them how they plan to vote.  Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.  Click here to easily email your Senators.  Fill in the column on the right.

2.     If time allows, please call them as well.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D): (202) 224-2152

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (R): (202) 224-2854

3.     Forward this on to others and encourage them to not miss out on this opportunity to both pray and act during this time in American history. 

“The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, like rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).

Click here for more information on the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh. 

If you desire to help us continue our mission to establish God’s righteousness in Illinois state government, please donate online.  Or, you may also send your contribution directly to CWA of Illinois, 1255 W. Empire Street, Freeport, IL  61032.  Write your check out to “Concerned Women for America” and put “CWA of IL” on the memo line.

Blessings, 

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org
 
 

It was a sad day yesterday when our State House voted 72-45 to ratify the ERA.  The Senate passed it back in April.

Our country is now only one state short of being able to amend the constitution, kind of.  Congress set a deadline of 1982 for three-fourths majority of state legislatures in order for the amendment to be applied to the U.S. Constitution.  Backers have argued there’s precedent to show that deadlines on constitutional amendments don’t apply.

The following 10 Republicans voted for it: Steven A. Andersson (R-65), Dan Brady (R-105), Durkin, David Harris, Chad Hays (R-104), David Olsen (R-81), Robert Pritchard (R-70), Grant Wehrli (R-41), David Welter (R-75) and Christine Winger R-45)

5 Democrats voted against it: Monica Bristow (D-111), JerryCostello, II (D-116), Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-118), Mary Flowers (D-31), and Rita Mayfield (D-60).

If passed, the ERA would:

• Add these words to the U.S. Constitution: “Equality of rights under law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.”
• Be used to write abortion rights into our U.S. Constitution with the rationale that restricting access to abortion is a form of gender discrimination (since it singles women out for a physical aspect unique to them).
• Wipe out all ability to use any laws using gender as a defining characteristic therefore overturn workplace and family laws that protect women; privacy laws that define who may use gender-oriented bathrooms and locker rooms; and religious freedom laws.
• Integrate same-sex and bi-sexual attraction into the U.S. Constitution.
• Affect additional areas of life including social security, Medicare, health, insurance benefits, Medicare benefits, and more.

The passage of The ERA in Illinois unfortunately shows how far down the abyss our state and nation has gone.  This is a giant step backwards for our God-given freedoms. The only way America will be restored is through God’s intervention and a turn back to the Biblical principles that formed our nation. Thank you for all who fought the good fight against this godless, anti-family U.S. Constitutional Amendment.

Now more than ever it is time to stand for Biblical truth.  If we don’t stand up, who will?  Our job now is to make sure that conservative justices are confirmed to the Supreme Court, so they will vote constitutionally if and when the occasion is presented to retroactively extend the time deadline of the ERA.

Prayer requests:

• Ask forgiveness for the complacency of Illinois Christians for not standing for their faith and allowing evil laws to rule our state and nation.
• Pray the passage of the ERA in Illinois is a WAKE UP CALL to Christians nationwide.
• Thank the Lord for the many times He has held back the ERA in Illinois. Ask Him to intervene on our behalf and end this abominable law once and for all via the Supreme Court.

 Take action:

• 1) Click here to find out who your state representative is and then click here to find out how he/she voted. Thank him/her if they voted NO on the ERA. If he/she voted YES express how you are disappointed in their vote and will consider their vote when voting in upcoming elections. Be sure to let him/her know what you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.
• 2) Contact me to find out how you can get more involved with CWA of Illinois. You are needed, now more than ever!

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” -Edmund Burke

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org
(815) 297-291Become a part of CWA of Illinois! Together we can make a difference in our communities, state and country. Contact me today!

Dear Friend,

DEADLINE: MAY 31 – Act now!

Last year, HB 40, ILLINOIS’ TAXPAYER-FUNDED ABORTION BILL, became the law of the land, legalizing taxpayer-funded abortions and redefining a fetus, who is created in God’s image, as a non-human.

• The new law removes all prohibitions on using tax dollars for abortions under Medicaid and removes the ban on state employees’ insurance policies paying for abortions.
• Pregnant girls from surrounding states can come over the border because of our Illinois Residency Intent Law and have their abortions at taxpayer expense.
• The law stated, “Remove language concerning the general assembly declaration that the unborn child is a human being from the time of conception.”

Because HB 40 did not contain an appropriation when passed into law, the state budget now has to decide how much will be allotted out of our Medicaid and health insurance funding. The Illinois General Assembly is winding up its work for the 2018 Spring session and will try to adjourn for the summer by tomorrow, May 31.  Please act now!

Illinois State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) has warned that HB 40 may cost taxpayers up to $60 million per year.  In addition he has said, “The people of Illinois totally reject taxpayer-funded abortions. Under HB 40, Illinoisans will be forced to pay for 20,000 to 30,000 abortions per year.”

Please pray that:

• The Illinois budget will not include elective abortion funding.
• Pastors and Christians will rally for the life of the unborn.
• Pro-life candidates will be elected to office.
• Women who are considering abortion will be convicted and make the decision to bring their babies to full term.

Take action:

• Contact your state representative and senator today! Make yourself clear: “No elective abortions in the Illinois state budget.” Click HERE to find out their name and how to contact them.  Feel free to leave a message after hours.  Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.
• Forward this alert to everyone you know — especially your pastor and members of your congregation.

LORD, rescue the unborn from abortion. Forgive us for our complacency.  We say, “We knew nothing about this” (Proverbs 24:11-12), but You Who weighs the heart know everything.

Debbie Leininger
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
815-297-2918

Contact me today to find out how you can get more involved with CWA of Illinois.

• Join a Prayer/Action group.
• If someone forwarded this e-alert to you, and you would like to be on our e-alert list, send me your email address and I will be happy to add you.  You will receive legislative, project and event notices.
• Donate to CWA of Illinois.  Our state is run exclusively through donations.

As you know from my last e-alert, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), SJRCA0004, passed the Illinois Senate and is now in the House. Specifically, it is in the House Rules Committee, set to be heard MONDAY.  Though a vote is not expected on that day, it could be taken at any time.

Therefore, a vote is expected in both the committee and House as early as some time this next week. Both the members of the committee and your representative need to hear from you.

 If passed, the ERA would:

• Add these words to the U.S. Constitution: “Equality of rights under law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.”
• Wipe out all ability to use any laws using gender as a defining characteristic therefore overturn workplace and family laws that protect women; privacy laws that define who may use gender oriented bathrooms and locker rooms; and religious freedom laws.
• Integrate same-sex and bi-sexual attraction into the U.S. Constitution.
• Be used to write abortion rights into our U.S. Constitution with the rationale that restricting access to abortion is a form of gender discrimination (since it singles women out for a physical aspect unique to them).
• Affect additional areas of life including social security, Medicare, health, insurance benefits, Medicare benefits, and more.

Click here to read SJRCA0004 and track it through the Illinois Legislature.

Since it passed in the Senate, April 11, the number of House co-sponsors has gone from one to 29.

We conservatives need to fight twice as hard to see that it is defeated in the Illinois House. The committee members and your representative needs to hear from you!

 Please take action:

1. Contact the five members of the House Rules Committee TODAY and ask them to vote NO on SJRCA0004, the resolution to adopt the ERA. Let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois. Click here for their contact information.
2. Fill in a Witness Slip today or early next week. It’s easy!

Log onto: click here

Click on:  Create Witness Slip

Fill out the form:

IDENTIFICATION
Name
Address
Firm/Business or Agency:  CWA of Illinois or, Concerned Citizen
Title:  Concerned Illinois citizen
Email
Phone
POSITION
Subject: (click on box; choose SJRCA-R
Opponent
TESTIMONY
Record of Appearance
CHECK
I Agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement.
Click slip.

3. Contact your representative today or early next week and ask him/her to vote NO on SJRCA0004, the resolution to adopt the ERA. Let their office know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois. Click here to find out who he/she is and how to contact.
4. Forward this e-alert to every like-minded individual you know. Ask them to both pray and take action immediately.
5. If you live in the Chicago area, consider attending the hearing on Monday at 10 am at C-600, 6th Floor Michael A. Bilandic Bldg., 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago.

ERA proponents, buoyed by pro-abortion, pro-LGBQT victories last session, are eager to pass the resolution while Gov. Rauner is in office.  Rauner, who originally campaigned on the promise he would remain neutral on social issues, has a 100% record of signing horrific social issues bills into law – including tax-payer abortion and transgender birth certificate bills. 

Please pray. Thank the Lord for the many times He has held back the ERA in Illinois.  Ask Him to once again intervene on our behalf and end this abominable law once and for all.

ERA History:

• In order to be added to the U.S. Constitution, the ERA needed approval by legislatures in three-fourths (38) of the 50 states by 1979.
• To date 36 states have ratified the ERA, one of which was after the 1979 deadline.
• If two more states ratify it, the U.S. Constitution can be amended if a suspension were given.
• From 1972 – 2017 the Illinois General Assembly has voted NO on ERA 13 times.

Do not grow weary.  I know we have fought this year after year, but because we fought it, we have stopped it year after year. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:0).

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org
(815) 297-2918

Become a part of CWA of Illinois! Together we can make a difference in our communities, state and country. Contact me today!

We must stop the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the House!  Please contact your representatives immediately!

 As you may know, the Senate passed the resolution to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment, SJRCA0004, on April 11 with a vote of 43-12. Unbelievably, seven uninformed Republicans joined with Senate Democrats, justifying their “Yes” votes as supporting “women’s rights”.  They are:  Pam Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), Jason Barickman (R-Pontiac), Mike Connelly (R-Wheaton), Karen McConnaughay (R-West Dundee), Chris Nybo (R-Hinsdale), Sue Rezin (R-Morris), and Tom Rooney (R-Palatine).

SJRCA0004 is now in the House Rules Committee. Click here to read it and track it through the Illinois Legislature.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) proponents, buoyed by pro-abortion, pro-LGBQT victories last session, are eager to pass the resolution while Gov. Rauner is in office.  Rauner, who originally campaigned on the promise he would remain neutral on social issues, has a 100% record of signing horrific social issues bills into law – including tax-payer abortion and transgender birth certificate bills.

Since April 11, the number of House co-sponsors went from one to 27.

We conservatives need to fight twice as hard to see that it is defeated in the Illinois House. Your Representative needs to hear from you!

Please take action:

1. Contact the five members of the House Rules Committee and ask them to vote NO on SJRCA0004, the resolution to adopt the ERA. Let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois. Click here for their contact information.
2. Contact your representative and ask him/her to vote NO on SJRCA0004, the resolution to adopt the ERA. Let their office know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois. Click here to find out who he/she is and how to contact.

Please pray:

• Thank the Lord for the many times He has held back the ERA in Illinois. Ask Him to once again intervene on our behalf and end this abominable law once and for all.

If passed, the ERA would:

• Add these words to the U.S. Constitution: “Equality of rights under law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.”
• Wipe out all ability to use any laws using gender as a defining characteristic therefore overturn workplace and family laws that protect women; privacy laws that define who may use gender oriented bathrooms and locker rooms; and religious freedom laws.
• Integrate same-sex and bi-sexual attraction into the U.S. Constitution.
• Be used to write abortion rights into our U.S. Constitution with the rationale that restricting access to abortion is a form of gender discrimination (since it singles women out for a physical aspect unique to them).
• Affect additional areas of life including social security, Medicare, health, insurance benefits, Medicare benefits, and more.

ERA History:

• In order to be added to the U.S. Constitution, the ERA needed approval by legislatures in three-fourths (38) of the 50 states by 1979.
• To date 36 states have ratified the ERA, one of which was after the 1979 deadline.
• If two more states ratify it, the U.S. Constitution can be amended if a suspension were given.
• From 1972 – 2017 the Illinois General Assembly has voted NO on ERA 13 times.

Do not grow weary.  I know we have fought this year after year, but because we fought it, we have stopped it year after year. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:0).

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org
(815) 297-2918

Become a part of CWA of Illinois! Together we can make a difference in our communities, state and country. Contact me today!

Dear Friend,

A vote is expected any day now in both the House and Senate.  Please take action immediately!

In a brazen attempt to indoctrinate public school age children K-12 to embrace the LGBTQ lifestyle, State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) have sponsored identical bills in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly.

Known as the SCH CD-LGBT-UNIT OF INSTRCTION, SB 3249 and HB 5596, if passed, would mandate that K-12 public school classes include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this state.

When was the last time someone was commended for something because of their sexual preference?  This is not logical; it is an affront to our religious beliefs.

This legislation would put schools in the position of proselytizing Illinois children.  Schools would be mandated to brainwash impressionable school-aged children into believing the LGBTQ is a healthy, legitimate lifestyle.

Both bills have passed out of committee, and are both expected to be voted on any day.

Please take action immediately:

1. Contact both your senator and representative. Ask them to reject LGBTQ social engineering in public schools by voting NO on SB 3249 if you are addressing your senator and HB 5596 if you are addressing your representative.  Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois. Click here to find out who they are and how to contact them. Do not hesitate to contact them after hours. If you contacted your legislators last month after receiving our March 3 e-alert, do not hesitate to contact them again.
2. Forward this e-alert to like-minded friends and family.  Encourage them to pray and take action as soon as absolutely possible.

Please pray and ask the Lord to:

• Forgive us as the church for our complacency. May we strive to stand for righteousness and oppose evil laws.
• Put a halt to the LGBTQ’s anti-Christ agenda in Illinois and America.
• Touch the heart of your specific legislators. May He draw them closer to Himself unto salvation if they do not yet know Him.

Click on bills to read and track status.
SB 3249
HB 5596

The Bible calls us to be pro-active in protecting our children.

• Remember, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin,” (James 4:17).

• Remember, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it,” (Proverbs 22:6).
• Remember, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” (Matthew 18:5-7).

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” — Edmund Burke

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org
(815) 297-2918

Become a part of CWA of Illinois! Together we can make a difference in our communities, state and country. Contact me today!

Please give a generous gift to assist CWA of Illinois in defending the family in our great state.

.

Hello fellow women of prayer! CWA of Hawaii aims to establish at least one CWA Prayer/Action Chapter on each island to meet on a monthly basis to address our seven core issues on the local, state, and national level.

Currently we have one chapter on the Big Island of Hawaii.  We meet the second Monday of every month.

Please consider starting a CWA chapter of your own. A chapter’s purpose is to educate, pray and take action. We provide everything you need.  Every chapter leader receives a manual, a monthly Prayer/Action Newsletter from the national office and regular communication from our state office. If you would like to educate and empower other women in your area or would like to attend the chapter listed above, please contact me.

Contact us today; we would love to get you plugged in!  You are needed!

Blessings,

Barbara J. Ferraro
State Director
CWA of Hawaii
[email protected]
hi.cwfa.org
808-965=9834

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has designated this Friday, April 27, as the Day of Silence – a day where public school students are encouraged to refuse to speak for an entire school day including during class. The event is to encourage sympathy and support of homosexual and transgender students whose behaviors have been silenced by those who disapprove of their lifestyle.

In opposition to the Day of Silence, CWA of Illinois is joining with pro-family organizations throughout the nation to endorse the Day of Silence WALKOUT.  Click here for more information.

Please forward this e-alert on to like-minded friends and family.  Especially those with school age children.

Pray! Educate! Act!

Sincerely,

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
il.cwfa.org