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Concerned Women for America of Illinois Archives – Concerned Women for America

May 22 2020
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Calls Needed on Fraud Inviting Vote-By-Mail Legislation

By | Illinois | No Comments

Illinois House Passes Vote-By-Mail Expansion Bill for the 2020 General Election.

Thursday evening, May 21, the Illinois House voted 72-43 to pass SB 1863, vote-by-mail legislation for the 2020 General Election amid COVID-19 concerns.  The measure passed along party lines, with Democrats, who hold a supermajority in the House, advancing the bill. See how your representative voted.

SB 1863 was introduced last year as an education bill and passed by the Senate. This week, the original bill language was removed (gutted) in the House and replaced with the election language via Amendment 5.

SB 1863 will now move to the Illinois Senate.

If passed, the bill will amend current election laws and does the following for the 2020 General Election:

  • Provides for changes to vote by mail. Under the bill, voters who have cast a ballot since 2018 will automatically be sent a vote-by-mail application.
  • Designates November 3, 2020, a State holiday applying to all public schools, and state and local government offices across the state.
  • Provides the State Board of Elections with emergency rulemaking authority.
  • Gives County Clerks the authority to extend early voting.
  • Allows students 16 years of age and older to serve as an election judge in polling places.
  • Repeals the election law changes on January 1, 2021.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker described the Democrat-crafted bill as a “reasonable compromise.” Republicans fear it will invite voter fraud.

Take Action

  • Contact your state senator and urge him/her to oppose SB 1863. Tell him/her to leave the present election laws in place. Click here to find your senator’s contact information. Be sure to tell them you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.
  • Forward this alert to your family, friends, as well as churches in your area.

Please join me in prayer that the state of Illinois will have honest elections free from voter fraud.

Debbie Leininger
State Director

May 20 2020
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Speak Out Concerning Gov. Pritzker’s Unconstitutional Overreach

By | Illinois | No Comments

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s emergency rule extends Illinois’ shutdown
150 days and criminalizes non-compliant Illinois citizens.

Gov.  J.B. Pritzker filed an emergency rule late Friday, May 15, that if approved will punish businesses that open to customers despite Illinois’ illegal lock-down orders. Presently under the Illinois Constitution, the governor only has the authority to lock down the state for thirty days. The state has been under lockdown for more than two months.

The proposed amendment to the emergency rule will:

  • Extend the governor’s authority from 30 to 150 days.
  • Fine designated nonessential businesses that open for business with a Class A misdemeanor (fine between $75 – $2,500).
  • Force local boards and authorities to enforce the rules and regulations. “All local boards of health, health authorities and officers, police officers, sheriffs and all other officers and employees of the state or any locality shall enforce the rules and regulations so adopted and orders issued by the Department pursuant to this Section.”

Media Coverage

  • According to WTTW reporter Amanda Vinich’s online report, “Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said in a statement Sunday: ‘These rules are a legal overreach and beyond the scope of the Governor’s authority. It will be a dark day in Illinois when we charge small businesses with a jailable crime for salvaging their livelihoods.’”
  • Read the Edgar County Illinois Leaks coverage of Gov. Pritzker’s emergency rule here.

CWA of Illinois is calling on the state lawmakers sitting on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to vote to reject the governor’s unilateral power grab. Without public outcry, this order could be rubber-stamped any day.

Take Action

Call the members of the JCAR today. Ask them to oppose this overreach by Gov. Pritzker by voting no on the emergency rules.

  • Co-Chairman Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-District18): (217) 782-5145
  • Co-Chairman Keith Wheeler (R-District 50): (217) 782-1486
  • Sen. John Curran (R-District 41): (217) 782-9407
  • Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-District 4): (217) 782-8505
  • Sen. Tony Munoz (D-District 1): (217) 782-9415
  • Sen. Sue Rezin (R-District 38): (217) 782-3840
  • Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-District58): (217) 782-8137
  • Rep. Tom Demmer (R-District 90): (217) 782-0535
  • Rep. Mike Halpin (D-District 72): (217) 782-5970
  • Rep. Frances Ann Hurley (D-District 35)
  • Rep. Steven Reick (R-District 63): (217) 782-1717
  • Rep. Andre Thapedi (D-District 32): (217) 782-1702

Prayer Points

  • Financial restoration for non-essential businesses, churches, organizations, etc. lost from the COVID-19 shutdown.
  • An abrupt halt of COVID-19 in our nation.
  • Comfort for those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 and protection for those fighting against this invisible enemy.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2.

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Apr 23 2020
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Join CWA of Illinois: Statewide Day of Prayer for Illinois, Friday, April 24

By | Illinois | No Comments

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are sheltering at home. We have been given time to draw close to the Lord and intercede for President Trump, Vice President Pence, and the affairs of our nation – especially all who are fighting on the frontlines of this invisible enemy.

If there was ever a moment in history to pray for America, it is now. Deep darkness covers our land. Ours is a divided nation, but we have a Promise of hope and restoration if We the People obey God’s Command: “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive them, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Many prayer groups are gathering across America via phone and video conferences to ask forgiveness for our national sins and ask God’s grace and mercy to restore this land. The following is another opportunity to pray for our state and nation.

Illinois State Rep. Darren Bailey (R–District 109) has extended an invitation for all Illinoisans to join him in a Statewide Day of Prayer on Friday, April 24, 2020.

We encourage you to take time to pray on that day for our national and state leaders. Suggested prayer points and supporting Scripture are listed below.

#1. Pray for our nation and its leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

 #2. Pray for those struggling with anxiety. (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

#3. Pray for those in need. (Psalm 22:4-5, 19)

“In You our ancestors put their trust; they trusted, and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were saved; in You they trusted and were not put to shame. But You, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.”

We have found ourselves as a state and nation in a season of testing. My prayer for myself and CWA of Illinois is that we will be found faithful to prayer so that this season of testing will enable us to shine our lights for God’s glory!

I leave you with one of my favorite promises from the Bible: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us– whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

Thank you for praying!

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Apr 08 2020
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Action Item: Tell Gov. J.B. Pritzker to Shut the Abortion Clinics!

By | Illinois | No Comments

Why are abortion businesses still operating when Gov. J.B. Pritzker (Democrat) is shutting churches, schools, and mass gatherings?

Currently, across the United States, including Illinois, services that constitute essential health care for women, such as routine Pap smears, mammograms, and pelvic exams, are being postponed in order to reduce everyone’s risk of exposure to COVID-19 and to conserve scarce medical resources. Yet, the abortion industry is open for business as usual.

On March 18, 2020, Vice President Mike Pence issued a mass gathering ban exceeding 10 people. Many healthcare agencies have ceased their non-essential medical, surgical, and dental procedures, yet Planned Parenthood insists on business as usual and will continue to offer abortion services in six of their health centers across the state while consuming Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment that COVID-19 patients need.

 Immediate Action Needed

#1. Please contact Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace B. Hou.  Urge them to join other states by closing abortion clinics and redirecting PPE and other medical equipment to our state’s much-needed coronavirus response. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.

#2. Forward this email to family and friends.

Please pray:  Dear Father, we ask that you move on the hearts of Gov. Pritzker and Sec. Hou to seek You in all things, especially with regard to this issue of life.

“Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9

Thank you for taking action at this critical time.

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Mar 08 2020
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Your Voice is Needed: Illinois Poised to Offer Inclusive Pre- K-12 Comprehensive Sex Education

By | Illinois | No Comments

The two mandated sex-education bills below have been introduced into the Illinois House and Senate.  The so-called “grade-appropriate” instruction will expose adolescents and young teens to terminology and practices of the LGBTQ lifestyle. They will remove outdated language and build on the current standards for health and sexual health education courses for grades 6 through 12 which includes: pregnancy and reproduction; gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation; puberty, growth, and adolescent development; anatomy and physiology; healthy relationships and friendships; healthy decision-making; and personal safety.

Click on active links to view the text of the bills being voted on this legislative session.

  1. The Healthy Youth Act (HB 5012) – proposed in the House by State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (Democrat-Dist. 14, Chicago), State Rep. Ann Williams (Democrat-Dist. 11, Chicago); Michelle Mussman (Democrat-Dist. 56, Schaumburg) and in the Senate (SB 3788)  by Sen. Celina Villanueva (Democrat-11th Dist., Summit) and Sen. Laura Fine (Democrat-9th Dist., Glenview). The Healthy Youth Act will take effect upon becoming law.
  2. The Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health (REACH) Act (SB 2762) was introduced by Ram Villivalam (Democrat-8th Dist., Chicago). The REACH will mandate all public and satellite schools to offer comprehensive and inclusive sex education for grades pre-K through 12.

“‘Comprehensive sex education’ means instruction in a comprehensive school health education approach that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of human sexuality and is designed to motivate and assist students in maintaining and improving sexual health, preventing disease, and reducing sexual health-related risk behaviors and to enable and empower students to develop and demonstrate developmentally and culturally appropriate sexuality and sexual health-related knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices.”

“‘Inclusive’ means a curriculum that ensures students from historically marginalized communities that include, but are not limited to, communities of color, immigrant communities, people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, people who are intersex, people who have disabilities, people who have experienced sexual victimization, and others whose experiences have been traditionally left out of sex education programs and policies are included in classroom materials and lessons.”

A detailed list of objectives and subject matter for the specific grade levels are available in the active link to the bill (SB 2762). One of many alarming subject matters: “Unbiased information and non-stigmatizing information about the options regarding pregnancy, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.”

If passed, this legislation would make Illinois the 30th state to mandate sex education. If passed, the REACH Act would begin no later than July 1, 2021.

Please take action:

  1. Read the bills in their entirety. This is the curriculum Illinois children Pre-K through 12 will be mandated to learn. We have a God-given responsibility to guard their hearts and minds.
  2. Contact your state representative and state senator and urge him/her to opposethe Healthy Youth and REACH Acts. Click here to find your senator and state representative’s contact information. Be sure to tell them you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.

Forward this alert to your family, friends, as well as churches in your area.

Please join me in prayer that the Church will wake up to LGBTQ indoctrination via the public education system and speak out against the Healthy Youth and REACH Acts.  Pray also for the hearts of the Illinois legislators that they will courageously vote against the bill.

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Feb 10 2020
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prayer pic

Prayer Project Update: CWA of Illinois Committed to Praying for All Legislators

By | Illinois | No Comments
We are pleased to announce that encouragers throughout the state of Illinois have answered the call to be a part of this year’s Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Illinois Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) program! The EAL packets have been mailed, and 285 state legislators, elected officials, and county board/commission chairs will soon be receiving monthly encouragement cards containing a Scripture, notable quote, and a prayer.

Thank you for the outpouring of support for this incredible project where we pray for and encourage our Illinois elected officials. We are also grateful for this year’s partnership with Illinois National Day of Prayer.

Prayer is important not only for the legislators for whom we pray but for our own benefit. Legislators’ decisions impact our lives and the communities in which we live.

Time to take action:
For those who are unable to participate in the EAL program, we still would love to have you join us in praying for our legislators and governor. Here are prayer points you can use:

  • Safety and Good Health
  • Family Unity
  • Wise and Godly Decisions
  • Suppression of Weariness and Pride
  • Godly Counsel and Sensitivity to God’s Leading
  • Salvation
  • Continued Strength in the Lord
“For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” – Deuteronomy 4:7

Thank you for your willingness to pray and encourage!

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Dec 18 2019
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prayer pic

Volunteers Needed for Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) Program

By | Illinois | No Comments
Prayer moves the hand of God in the affairs of this nation!  In fact, we are commanded to pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good and pleases God our Savior…”

And because Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Illinois believes prayer is crucial to revival and restoration of a nation, we are asking you to participate in our Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) Program for the 2020 Illinois legislative session. We are so excited to see what God is going to do in the hearts and minds of our state legislators and other elected officials as we pray for them each day and encourage them through our weekly postcards.

We are also pleased to announce that Illinois National Day of Prayer (NDP) is partnering with this year’s CWA of Illinois’ EAL program. It is important to have many intercessors praying on behalf of our legislators!  Welcome aboard NDP!

Here are the details:
Volunteers will receive twelve self-addressed postcards per legislator containing a Founding Father quote, Scripture, and encouraging prayer.  Your responsibility will be to PRAY for your assigned legislator, sign the card, and mail it. The EAL program is never used to lobby and, therefore, is never confrontational. It is simply a great way to lift up those in authority and encourage them in their responsibilities.

Time to take action:

  • Prayerfully consider volunteering for this important ministry.  A grateful thank-you goes out to those who have already answered the call!
  • Email me the following information: Name, physical mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number (optional) and the number of legislators for whom you would like to pray. We will mail your EAL packet, complete with instructions, in mid to late February once the 2020 Illinois General Assembly completes their room and committee assignments. CWA of Illinois will assign your EAL legislator.
  • Recruit your friends and family to Encourage-A-Legislator.
Thank you for your willingness to prayer and encourage! I look forward to hearing from you.

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois

Nov 20 2019
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Update on Palatine School District Transgender Policy

By | Illinois | No Comments

Palatine School District Votes in Favor of Unrestricted  Transgender Access in Public School Locker Rooms

 

Last month, I wrote you about a special meeting of the Palatine School District to consider opening restrooms, locker rooms, showers, etc. to those of the opposite sex.  I wanted to provide you a quick update as to the outcome of the meeting.

Approximately 500 parents and students attended the Palatine District 211 board meeting to discuss the pros and cons of the controversial policy which states:

“Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity, which shall include students having access to restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.”

Though some parents called for a district-wide referendum, the board approved the policy by a vote of 5-2, with two board members dissenting. This ends a four-year battle to lift a requirement that transgender students use privacy stalls in District 211’s five high schools.

The new rule will take effect when second semester classes begin in January 2020.

Please pray for the protection of the children of the Palatine School District. Pray for their safety and for their minds and souls as they are taught the indoctrination of the LGBTQ lifestyle.

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois

Nov 05 2019
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Prayer

CWA of Illinois Commemorates National Day of Fasting, Repentance, and Prayer

By | Illinois | No Comments

Before we get caught up in the upcoming season of busyness, let us cultivate a humble heart with fasting, repentance, and prayer on Thursday, November 21.

We invite you to join us in a National Day of Fasting, Repentance, and Prayer in honor of the 156th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation 97 – Appointing a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer. Together let us observe and reaffirm our 16th President’s heartfelt plea to the supreme authority and just governance of Almighty God.
“Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do by this my proclamation designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the people to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite at their several places of public worship and their respective homes in keeping the day holy to the Lord and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.”

Fasting before we feast is a reminder that God provides everything that we need. It reminds us of who we are and who God is. It also reminds us that as we hunger physically, we also hunger spiritually. And when we repent, we are promised forgiveness. Not any ordinary forgiveness, but a complete pardon from our sins and the payment they require. Now that draws us to our knees in Thanksgiving. God has fully provided for us in Christ!

This is why our hope is not in government or elected officials or even in a grateful attitude. But, instead, our hope is firmly in Christ alone.

Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 21, the week before Thanksgiving. Whether in your car, home, classroom, or office, let us repent and seek God on behalf of yourself and our nation
Click here to view the double-sided informational flyer.  Feel free to print and distribute liberally.

Blessings to you and yours during this Thanksgiving season.

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois

Oct 31 2019
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Teen age girl

Your Voice is Critical to Protect Minor Girls in Illinois!

By | Illinois | No Comments

The Illinois General Assembly will continue their veto session on November 12,13,14, where state legislators amend pending legislation. Bills often get pushed through the Illinois General Assembly at this time. At stake in this session is the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995, which requires parental notification (not consent) for a minor seeking an abortion.  Under the Act, health care providers are required to notify an adult family member (defined as a parent, grandparent, stepparent who lives with the minor or legal guardian) 48 hours before performing an abortion for a patient who is under 18.

According to Illinois Citizens for Ethics, the Parental Notice of Abortion Act has saved thousands of lives and protected thousands of under-aged girls from abortion. The aborting of babies of minor girls in Illinois has declined 57% under this law. The threat of the repeal of this law is real and we need your help to stop the threat.

The Parental Notice Abortion – Repeal, HB2467 [and sister bill SB1594] will repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. What does this mean?

  1. Parents will never know if their child has become pregnant and had an abortion unless their child shares the information.
  2. If the child is having multiple abortions, the parents will not know.
  3. If a child is being sexually abused by an adult, and the parents are not notified of the abortion, they cannot investigate as to who the father is and therefore cannot come to the aid of their daughter. This repeal gives a wink and nod to abusers.

Bottom line: The repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act increases the number of abortions and protects child abusers.

Take Action
Contact your state representative and state senator TODAY and urge them to oppose SB1594 and HB2467, the Parental Notice of Abortion – Repeal bills. Click here to locate the names and contact information of your legislators.

Forward this alert to your family, friends, as well as, churches in your area.

Pray!
Please join me in prayer for the legislators. Pray they will choose to vote for life and not death. Pray that the citizens of Illinois will be engaged in this battle for the lives of the unborn.

Debbie Leininger
State Director

Oct 07 2019
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October 10 Special Meeting: Unrestricted Transgender Access

By | Illinois | No Comments

A special meeting is set for Thursday, October 10, 2019, for the public to speak up on whether transgender students should be allowed unrestricted access to locker rooms in the District 211 high schools. District 211 is the largest high school district in Illinois with 12,000 students and five high schools.

The 6:30 p.m. closed session, followed by citizen appearances at 7:30 p.m., will be held at the G.A. McElroy Administration Center, 1750 S. Roselle Road, Palatine, Illinois 60067.  This will be the last public meeting before the school board votes on the policy change.

What’s at stake?
Under the current school district policy, transgender students being accommodated by being allowed to change in privacy stalls in the locker rooms meant for the gender for which they identify. However, the proposed policy states:

“No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.”

What does this proposed policy mean? If passed, transgender females (boys who believe themselves to be female) and transgender males (girls who believe themselves to be male) will be allowed to openly dress in the opposite biological sex locker rooms.

QUESTION:  What about the rights of thousands of biological females and males attending Palatine high school who may feel threatened, embarrassed, or violated with transgenders openly changing in full view in open dressing areas?

Parents and citizens living within the District 211 school district are urged to attend this Thursday’s hearing to oppose the policy. 

Prayer requests:

  • Ask forgiveness for the complacency of Illinois Christians for not standing for their faith and for electing ungodly elected officials to make policy in the public schools and state legislature.
  • Raise up an army of Christians to champion the cause of Christ.
  • Put a halt to the anti-Christ LGBTQ agenda in Illinois and America.

Debbie Leininger
State Director
CWA of Illinois

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