Where We Stand - 2025-2025

"Where We Stand" is the platform of the League of Women Voters of Illinois. It serves as a companion to "Impact on Issues," the program book of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Together, these publications, along with the League Principles, provide the foundation for all actions undertaken by Illinois Leagues.

What is a Position?

The League of Women Voters takes action on an issue only when we have a position addressing that particular issue. Members must study and come to consensus on an issue, in order to form a position. This thorough grassroots process ensures that our advocacy is well considered by a broad range of people, understood by our members, and we have a sense of the political environment.

Roselle/Bloomingdale Area Positions

Community Mental Health Boards

The League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale Area supports a comprehensive and coordinated system of mental health services as part of a broader system meeting the health needs of DuPage County residents.

Position In Brief: LWVRBA supports the creation of mental health 708 boards in communities that choose to support such boards through referendum to bridge gaps in funding shortfalls. Besides providing grant money for services and facilities, 708 Boards should support community education.

Approved: May 17, 2025.

Action leading to and based on this position:

Through our study on 708 Community Mental Health Boards in 2015, we discovered there were many unmet needs for the prevention and treatment of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse. LWVRBA supported a referendum to create a Mental Health 708 Board at the Township level. The referendum passed, and in 2017 the Bloomingdale Township Community Mental Health Board was formed under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS 20/0.1 et seq.). It currently provides over $1 million a year in grants.

Community Mental Health Board - Bloomingdale Township

The League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale Area supports a comprehensive and coordinated system of mental health services as part of a broader system meeting the health needs of DuPage County residents. 

County health departments should ensure adequate facilities and services to treat and house individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues, and integrate these services with those of other community agencies.

Adequate county funding should be tied to identified needs, effectiveness, best practices, and non-duplication of services. LWVRBA supports the creation of mental health 708 boards in communities that choose to support such boards through referendum to bridge gaps in funding shortfalls. Besides providing grant money for services and facilities, 708 Boards should support community education.

Services and education should include: screening and evaluation, community hospitalization, medication management and counseling, crisis intervention, case management, day treatment, life skills programs, residential programs, job training, social and recreational activities, educational services, family support and respite programs, and transportation.

Local zoning ordinances should include provisions for residential programs for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues. All health programs and facilities should meet State standards, including minimum training requirements for professionals and other personnel.

-----

Elementary School District Consolidation

School district consolidation can lower the cost of education while maintaining or increasing the academic achievement of public school students.

Position In Brief: The League of Women Voters of Roselle Bloomingdale Area (LWVRBA) supports the efficient and effective operation of school districts. School district consolidation can lower the cost of education while maintaining or increasing the academic achievement of public school students.  

Position History: LWVRBA conducted a study of school district consolidation in 2023-24, which can be viewed here: School District Consolidation Study 

Approved: October 15, 2024

In achieving this goal, the LWVRB supports a cooperative and transparent process in which people have sufficient and timely information to make informed decisions about proposed actions and well-defined channels for input and review. 

Administrative and fiscal efficiency should be included in the criteria by which local governments consider whether to consolidate or share major services. Both the implementation process and the likely effects of implementation should be considered by applying the following criteria:

• Will the proposal result in projected education cost savings?
• Can administrative costs be better utilized in the classroom or for other direct education activities for students?
• Will the proposal result in a reduction in the number of taxing bodies in Illinois?
• Will the proposal have a positive effect on total taxation for residents and businesses over the long term?
• Will the proposal consistently address employee contracts?
• Will the proposal increase opportunities for in-district professional development for teachers and other critical staff?
• Will the proposal result in increased social and economic justice?
• Will the proposal result in increased student learning and improved outcomes?