Legal experts will host a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 16 at the University of Chicago Law School
Most Illinoisans would agree state government is broken. Lawmakers can’t seem to pass a balanced budget, taxes are too high, jobs are scarce, and people are leaving. Although legislative changes are necessary, in many cases, lawmakers’ hands are tied by the Illinois Constitution.The Liberty Justice Center, a public interest law firm, teamed up with top legal minds, policymakers and scholars from across the country to publish “An Illinois Constitution for the Twenty-First Century.” The book has 12 chapters, and each chapter proposes reforms to address a serious problem afflicting the state. The proposals include: term limits for Illinois politicians, a process for nonpartisan legislative redistricting, and a solution to the pension crisis.
“Our state Constitution and the judges who are supposed to enforce it haven’t done enough to protect citizens’ rights and limit government power,” said Jacob Huebert, senior attorney at the Liberty Justice Center. “Our Constitution was supposed to stop politicians from picking winners and losers in politics and the marketplace, but for decades our politicians have been doing exactly that – and the courts have let them get away with it. Illinois needs change at the constitutional level.”
A book launch event will be held at the University of Chicago Law School on Tuesday, May 16, featuring three of the book’s contributing authors. Please see the full information below:
What: Luncheon panel discussion on reforming the Illinois Constitution
When: 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 16
Where: University of Chicago Law School, Classroom V, 1111 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637
Who: The event will feature three of the book’s distinguished contributors:
- Richard A. Epstein, Professor of Law at New York University and the University of Chicago
- Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute
- Robin Fretwell Wilson, Professor of Law at the University of Illinois
Attendees will receive a free copy of “An Illinois Constitution for the Twenty-First Century.” Attorneys may receive one Illinois Continuing Legal Education credit for attending.To learn more, visit http://illinoisconstitution.com/