Latino Policy Forum

Latino Policy Forum Advancing Latinos advances a shared future. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead.

Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future.

05/30/2026

We are beyond proud of you for your resilience and determination!

ACTION NEEDED BY 5/31/2026: Tell your legislators to sustain food assistance and health coverage for thousands of immigr...
05/29/2026

ACTION NEEDED BY 5/31/2026: Tell your legislators to sustain food assistance and health coverage for thousands of immigrants!

On April 1, 2026 the federal government cut SNAP benefits for 16,000 lawfully present immigrants in Illinois, including refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, and others who have long relied on these programs for their families’ basic nutrition. The same federal changes will also leave 10,000 families with similar statuses without critical access to federal Medicaid starting October 1st.

We need the Illinois General Assembly to step in and make sure families can put food on the table and access critical health care services by ensuring that HB 4831/SB 3167 (Food Assistance for Lawfully Present Immigrants Losing SNAP) and HB 4824/SB 3462 (Sustaining Health Coverage for Humanitarian Immigrants) are included in the final FY 27 budget.

Take action here: https://www.votervoice.net/LPF/campaigns/137748/respond

In Illinois, households with the lowest 20% of family income pay more than twice the percent of their earnings in state ...
05/28/2026

In Illinois, households with the lowest 20% of family income pay more than twice the percent of their earnings in state and local taxes as those with the top 1%. Enough is enough!

It’s time that Illinois tax the 1% fairly so that low-income and working families are not left to shoulder devastating cuts to critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid alone.

Take action: https://www.illinoisrevenuealliance.org/takeaction/

05/28/2026

No one should have to choose between feeding their family or covering everyday expenses.

Stripping SNAP from refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, and others in Illinois is a direct threat to the wellness and stability of families seeking safety and support. Our neighbors, coworkers, and community members rely on food assistance to meet basic needs.

HB 4831/SB 3167 provides a common-sense solution by building upon Illinois's existing state-funded SNAP-like program, so families don't go hungry.

Take 2 minutes to contact your legislators and urge them to support this program via HB 4831 and SB 3167 in the final FY 27 budget today!

Take action: https://www.votervoice.net/LPF/Campaigns/134492/Respond

Last week, community members, advocates, local organizations, and impacted families gathered at the People’s Hearing on ...
05/26/2026

Last week, community members, advocates, local organizations, and impacted families gathered at the People’s Hearing on Immigration Enforcement in Chicago to document the human impact of federal immigration enforcement on our communities.

Hosted by Hispanic Federation at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, the hearing created space for testimony, truth-telling, and accountability around the lasting effects of detention, family separation, and civil rights abuses tied to Operation Midway Blitz and ongoing immigration enforcement practices.

By uplifting the voices of those directly impacted, we are ensuring these stories are preserved, remembered, and used to demand justice for our communities.

05/22/2026

Working long shifts. Balancing tuition, housing, food, and school. Wondering whether finishing a degree is financially possible.

For many students, getting into college is only half the battle — staying enrolled is the challenge.

This video shares the real experiences of students navigating higher education while carrying financial pressure, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about the future.

Their stories are a reminder that investing in students means investing in people, communities, and opportunity.

Investing in Public Higher Education is a Public Good. Join the fight for equitable higher education funding and urge your lawmakers to pass SB13/HB158 at the link in bio.

Exciting news: The Civil Rights Safeguard Act (SB3777) passed the Illinois Senate!SB3777 is an initiative of the Illinoi...
05/21/2026

Exciting news: The Civil Rights Safeguard Act (SB3777) passed the Illinois Senate!

SB3777 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the agency responsible for enforcing the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). This amendment to the IHRA will safeguard civil rights protections for Illinoisans where discrimination laws apply. This bill solidifies the clear standard in Illinois law that employers and businesses have been using for more than 50 years.

This bill ensures that disparate impact discrimination protections, a key legal theory under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, will remain the law in Illinois, even as federal agencies are deprioritizing and rolling back disparate impact enforcement nationwide.

As a member of the Disparate Impact coalition, the Latino Policy Forum was proud to support this bill alongside Sen. Johnson, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and every advocate who contacted their legislators in support of SB3777.

Be sure to follow us for updates as the bill moves to the Illinois House.

05/19/2026

POV: you find your missing friend at the Latino Unity Day rally.

Check out our Action Center to quickly tell your legislators to support HB 4831/SB 3167 and HB 1581/SB 13.

Take action: https://latinopolicyforum.org/action-center/

05/15/2026

Our public colleges and universities prepare the educators, healthcare workers, engineers, advocates, and leaders who will shape our futures.

Since 2001, state funding for public universities has decreased by 46%, making it even harder for Latino, Black, immigrant, first-generation, and low-income students to afford and earn a degree. Without adequate and equitable state funding, higher education will only become further out of reach for students.

That’s why we need to prioritize our students and public universities by passing the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula (HB 1581/SB 13). This bill would strengthen our public institutions of higher education and move our state closer to a future where a college degree is within reach for every student who aspires to it.

Use our action alert to quickly tell your legislators to support HB 1581/SB 13. Take action here: https://www.votervoice.net/LPF/campaigns/135192/respond

What an incredible Latino Unity Day 2026!Over two days, Latino advocates, students, organizers, community leaders, and a...
05/08/2026

What an incredible Latino Unity Day 2026!

Over two days, Latino advocates, students, organizers, community leaders, and allies from across Illinois gathered in Springfield to build community, share ideas, and advocate for solutions to issues impacting Latino communities throughout our state - all while having fun!

Thank you to everyone who who joined us, shared their stories, came to the rally and took the opportunity to meet with their legislators. Latino Unity Day continues to be a reminder that when we come together across communities and generations, we can create a stronger, more equitable Illinois for all.

See you next year!

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