Read our fall quarterly newsletter for the latest updates from the Latino Policy Forum.
Dear Friends,
Right now, in our communities and in communities all over the country, Latinos and immigrants are being targeted and harassed, the Trump administration is spreading narratives that could not be further from the truth, and the systems that are supposed to hold our democracy together are buckling under the pressure. Our state is far from perfect, but Illinois has long been considered a haven for immigrants seeking a safe place to live, work, find community, and raise their families. For over 16 years, the Forum has advocated for Latinos and immigrants in Illinois, achieving statewide impact and improving lives. As someone dedicated to justice and equity, I know there’s no place I would rather be right now.
The Forum exists to bring us together and to the table, shaping the policies and investments that impact our daily lives. This is how we build a democracy that reflects our ideals and values. This is democracy in action.
Legislative Victories and Challenges
If you haven’t already, I hope that you will check out our follow up to the 2025 Springfield Agenda. I am proud of what the Forum team accomplished this session, namely passage of HB 3247, the Safe Schools for All Bill, which affirms that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to a public school education and prohibits schools from disclosing the immigration status of a child or associated person to ICE agents. Special thanks to our partners at ICIRR and MALDEF who collaborated with us on this effort. We also celebrated the passage of HB 3026, which directs the IL State Board of Education to create guidance that will make it easier for school districts to begin new, or expand existing, dual language programs, making the benefits of bilingualism available to more students throughout the state.
Of course, every session brings disappointments, too. This year was an exceptionally difficult one in Illinois because of fiscal challenges, but also because of a hostile federal government that threatens to cut funding for critical public services. While we didn’t win everything we wanted for our community this session, this is hardly the end of the road. We are persistent and we will keep fighting.
Honoring Richard J. Martinez
In my short time at the Forum, I have also been so impressed with the Multicultural Leadership Academy and the vast community of leaders that have taken part and are a part of it today. Many of those people learned to dig deep within themselves and emerge as transformative leaders from an inspirational leader, Richard J. Martinez, who passed away earlier this month. Richard was a great friend to the Forum and mentor to many. In a tribute to Richard, Senior Manager of the Multicultural Leadership Academy, NiCole Ward shared, “As our ancestor, I will remember him as the person that lifted people up, was humble and extended grace to others, and who believed in everyone’s potential to be a catalyst for change.”
Join Us for Latinos on the Move
Save the date! On October 24th we will be hosting our annual event, Latinos on the Move! This is our biggest annual fundraiser. We will celebrate what we have accomplished for Latinos, get inspired and energized for the work ahead, and honor former President and CEO Sylvia Puente with the very special Legacy Award for her sixteen years of visionary leadership.
Early bird tickets are available now. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lorena Levy-Alonso at lorena@thelarcgroup.com or complete a sponsorship form. I hope to see you there!
It is my honor to lead the Forum today and like everyone who came before me and dared to dream of a future in which Latinos could thrive and fulfill their dreams.
Sinceramente,
Linda Xóchitl Tortolero
President & CEO, Latino Policy Forum