How Does The League Select Issues for Emphasis?
In League parlance, Program means the issues that we choose for concerted study, education and action at local, state and national levels. Program can include both education and action.
The Program Planning process is part of what makes the League a grassroots organization; each League member has the opportunity to influence the selection of issues where the local, state, and national League will focus time, talent and money.
Here is a selection of issues that your LaGrange League is working on.
LWV Releases Letter Re Trump Administration’s Weaponization of Government Against Americans
Press Release / Last Updated: February 6, 2025
WASHINGTON — Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in response to actions taken by the new administration and the impact on voters.
“In the first 17 days of the Trump administration, we’ve witnessed nothing short of the weaponization of government against Americans. The callousness of the most recent actions, including the terrorizing of the immigrant community, shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of the American people. We’ve seen the weakening of the Department of Justice’s civil rights work, continued attacks on people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community, and the elimination and freezing of humanitarian aid to other countries. These efforts are dangerous for our country, compromising our international ally relationships and putting many Americans’ livelihoods at stake.
“As an organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League is outraged by the current administration’s actions against the American people. We are equally concerned about the inaction of our elected officials in Congress to exercise their constitutional authority and put a stop to this attack on democratic institutions, Americans, and the rule of law.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed a number of alarming actions from the executive branch met with little response from our elected officials in Congress. All members of Congress have a responsibility to serve the people they represent and swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Congress is undermining the system of checks and balances upon which this country was founded by not responding to the executive branch’s violation of the law and encroachment on its authority. We call on Congress to act now to stop the infringement on its legislative authority and respond to the ongoing assault on our democracy on behalf of the American people.
“For over a century, the League has remained steadfast in our commitment to the American people and our democracy. President Trump’s latest actions put both in deep jeopardy. We call on our elected officials to stand up to tyranny, protect our democracy, and honor their oath to the American people.”
Sustainabilty
A Greener LaGrange
The LaGrange League has representation on the LaGrange Environmental Quality Commission. As recommended by the La Grange Environmental Quality Control Commission, the Village Board adopted a resolution at its April 23, 2018 meeting to endorse the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact 2 (GRC2). The GRC2 provides a template for the Village to help achieve meaningful and measurable environmental sustainability objectives. La Grange is joining a number of communities in the region that are working collaboratively to advance sustainability in their communities and in concert with regional, national and global initiatives.
A list of "Green Initiatives" has been developed and is periodically updated in order to help keep track of the various initiatives that the Village has been involved with over time. The list of initiatives has been organized into five primary categories:
- Vehicles
- Building / Infrastructure
- Village Services / Operations
- Community Development / Building and Zoning
- Event Promotion and Education
The Environment - Global Warming
Washington, DC – The League of Women Voters president, Chris Carson issued the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement that the United States will leave the global Paris Climate Agreement:
“Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement is a giant step in the wrong direction for the health of the planet and all living beings. President Trump’s decision today will undermine global cooperation and have a harmful impact on U.S. relations with our most trusted world allies. The long-term effects of this decision will make more people sick, especially children and the elderly. The League of Women Voters is gravely disappointed to see the United States on the wrong side of history in the fight to protect our planet.”
The Environment - Water
LWVLG Area belongs to two Inter-League Organizations which affect water issues in our region:
- Upper MIssissippi River Region
This organization, comprised of members from four states, promotes and advocates for issues relating to the Mississippi River, from its origin to its juncture with the Ohio River, including water conservation, water quality standards and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Lake Michigan Region
LVWLMR educates and advocates for water related issues across the four states bordering Lake Michigan. Recent projects include stormwater management, The Clean Water Act, native plants and coal tar sealant pollution.
