IL SR0865

Celebrates the contributions and impact of Latina elected officials and leaders in Illinois during National Women's History Month.

Recognizes that approximately 30 million Latinas live in the United States with 1.12 million in Illinois, yet Latinas represent only 3% of state and federal elected officials despite comprising 9.3% of the U.S. population.

Highlights Illinois as a model state for electing and supporting Latinas, including U.S. Representative Delia C. Ramirez (the first Latina from the Midwest elected to Congress) and State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez (chair of the Illinois Democratic Party).

Acknowledges legislative achievements by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus on health equity, economic justice, education, immigration, language access, women's rights, and healthcare expansion for undocumented immigrants.

Affirms the need for continued progress toward equitable representation of Latinas in all decision-making spaces, sectors, industries, and leadership roles.