As we look forward to the New Year, we hope and pray you will join us in standing for truth and the family in 2015.

In that spirit, I want to update you on our $40,000 end-of-year matching challenge. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters — pro-family citizens of Illinois — we have now raised 51 percent of our goal with just two days left to realize the full potential of the challenge.

Please partner with us and make a tax-deductible gift today.

We hope you agree that the world our children and grandchildren will grow up in is worth the investment.

Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that the Christian heritage of our nation was a mistake and that prayers and Bible-reading must be banned from our government schools. Forty years ago, the Supreme Court decided that unborn children were the personal property of their mothers and could be “terminated” at will.

More recently, the Supreme Court approved a government takeover of our healthcare system through Obamacare.  Now, social engineers in the judicial branch of government are remaking the institution of marriage and family.

And as absurd as it sounds, even the definition of gender is now coming under attack.

Religious freedom, God’s design for marriage, decency and the sanctity of life have been under withering cultural assault for decades now. Feckless government officials are attempting to coerce pastors and churches into bending to the will of secularists. Judges are redefining marriage into non-existence. And pro-abortion coalitions are exposing children to irresponsible, inappropriate sexuality resources, which then results in more profits for Planned Parenthood. We’re fast approaching a time when there will be no safe cultural quarter for people of faith who seek to live in accordance with biblical truth.

That is why IFI has been front and center across the state championing the banner of faith, family and freedom. We are fighting for marriage and religious liberty, defending the unborn, opposing pro-homosexual tyranny, protecting Christmas from left-wing intolerance, educating Illinoisans on election issues, teaching Illinoisans how to stand up for their freedom, and refuting liberal media distortions and lies.

A new friend posted this comment on my Facebook page yesterday:

Just from the short time of meeting you and knowing about IFI, I know that was just a small snippet of all you do throughout the year and also having a beautiful family, but when do you ever stop and just breathe?

I responded by saying:  “We do take family vacations from time to time…but God has given us a purpose. You might say we are ‘on a mission from God.’ We are to engage the culture. Our adversaries are constantly engaging the culture. They never back down, compromise, or relent. Those who know the Author of truth shouldn’t either.”

And that is the point. The adversaries of our Christian values will not take a break next year. History teaches that in all likelihood they will intensify their attacks. Each cultural victory for the enemies of truth increases their boldness and arrogance.

You may not be able to join us in the Capitol hallways, or writing position papers, testifying at committees, sitting in planning meetings or speaking at conferences and in churches, but you can stand with IFI in other, equally vital ways. You can help us through donations without which we wouldn’t be able to accomplish these things.

Would you consider giving your most generous year-end tax-deductible gift to help further our efforts to represent your values in the culture? In the media and churches and in the halls of government and government schools, we will fight for faith and family in the midst of intolerant “progressives” who are deeply hostile to the very existence of traditional faith and beliefs about family. Your partnership in prayer and financial support will enable us to represent your values in the public square on life, sexual morality and religious freedom.

Will you stand with us?

Perhaps you would be willing to join the growing number of Illinoisans who have made a monthly financial commitment to IFI.  A monthly commitment helps us better plan and evaluate what we can afford to do several months into the future. This is especially important as many of our initiatives must be planned months in advance. It’s easy to set up a recurring contribution by credit card or electronic funds-transfer by completing this mail-in form or by calling the office at (708) 781-9328.

I want to thank you in advance for your consideration of our needs and whatever support you can provide. And on behalf of the entire IFI team, I hope you’ll enjoy the last two days of 2014.

Sincerely,

David E. Smith
Executive Director

P.S. Help us reach our goal of raising $40,000 to meet the challenge and raise a total of $80,000 for our work and ministry in 2015! Donate today!

To make a credit card donation over the phone, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

You can also send a gift by mail to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188

Donations must be postmarked by December 31st in order to qualify as 2014 gifts.  Now, more than ever, your gift will help us uphold the legacy left by our forefathers.

Faith. Family. Freedom.

No other organization in Illinois fights for faith, family, and freedom like IFI. It’s why many of you have given to us in the past. And it’s why I hope everyone reading this email will answer my plea by doubling your donation to the only pro-family group in our state that can take the fight to our opponents.

It’s what we do. It’s why we’re here. But we cannot do it without your help! Please double our ability to fight for you by giving today to our Year-End Matching Grant Campaign. Your $10 gift will become $20. $25 will become $50. $50 will become $100. $100 will become $200. 500 will become $1,000. What a great opportunity!

As I reflect on all the events of 2014, I have to thank God for his hand of protection, direction and provision. In a culture consumed with decadence, debauchery and death, IFI stands as a beacon of light to remind the culture (and the church) of God’s design for marriage, life and freedom. His plan would see families thrive and communities blessed. It’s why each and every one of the members of the IFI team are dedicated to our mission.  It’s a “why” that we believe in and a “why” that is rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

…for this reason I was born,
and for this I came into the world,
to testify to truth.
~John 18:37

At this time of year, it is this truth for which we are ultimately most grateful.

There is so much more we need to do to create a family-friendly Illinois that will be a blessing to our children and grandchildren. The last few weeks of December is an important time for Illinois Family Institute. This is when we normally raise a major portion of our annual budget. 

Will you help us continue to fight for the future of the family? By making a year-end tax-deductible investment in IFI now, you’ll join other pro-family Illinoisians, enabling us to be your voice in the Capitol, the classroom and the culture. In order to speak out with a strong, unified and persuasive voice, we must have financial resources. By giving today, you can help make it happen.

Please consider how you can help us begin 2015 from a place of strength. DONATE ONLINE or call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

We appreciate all that you do and ask for your continued prayers and participation. Thank you for your support! We look forward to partnering with you in 2015 to speak courageously and winsomely for the beliefs and values we share.

May God bless you and your family!

Sincerely,

David E. Smith
Executive Director

P.S. Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $80,000 by the end of the month – Donate today!  To make a credit card donation over the phone, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.  You can also send a gift to P.O. Box 88848, Carol Stream, IL  60188.

I wanted to share some good news with you about the $40,000 matching challenge I wrote about two weeks ago.  The response to my emails have been positive, and we are making good progress toward our goal of raising $80,000 before the end of the year.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters – moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas of Illinois – we have raised 38 percent of our goal thus far.

But we still have a long way to go. We still need to raise a little more than $24,000 over the next five days in order to realize the full matching challenge.

Any donation given or mailed by December 31st will go toward this matching challenge and will be fully tax-deductible, lowering your 2014 tax burden.

If you haven’t already, please consider IFI in your year-end giving. Every donation – small, medium or large small – brings us closer to our goal.

Click HERE to make a secure online contribution today.

Here are some ways you can give your tax-deductible donation:

• Contribute online HERE.
• Give a gift of stock or appreciated assets. Contact Deb Schloemer, IFI’s Financial Administrator, at (708) 781-9328 or email her HERE.
• Mail your year-end gift. Send to: Illinois Family Institute, P.O. Box 88848, Carol Stream, IL, 60188
• We also accept credit card donations over the phone at (708) 781-9328.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration. Your financial support and your prayers are what makes our mission to protect and preserve life, marriage, family and liberty in Illinois possible.  THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

David E. Smith
Executive Director

P.S. Donations must be postmarked by December 31 in order to qualify as 2014 gifts.  Now, more than ever, your gift will help us uphold the legacy left by our forefathers.

Don’t delay, please donate today!

We are living in an amazing time in history.  Our state and nation are in the midst of a debate that will have a profound impact on future generations.

There are important questions that need to be addressed:

1. Are strong natural families essential for a free society and a thriving economy, or do we just need more government programs?
2. Do we need to protect and affirm our individual freedoms?
3. Will the Body of Christ wake up in time and engage the culture before its too late?

The struggles over the sanctity of life, the definition of the family and religious liberties are far from settled.  They will be pivotal in 2015 and for generations to come.

Illinois Family Institute’s work throughout the last 23 years has put us in the position not only to fight for the causes of family and freedom, but to build the coalitions necessary to win.

That’s why our focus is to educate, motivate and activate the Christian community in Illinois to engage the culture.  It’s absolutely necessary if we want to rescue our culture.

This starts with seeking God’s wisdom and provision and includes a bold vision and commitment to foundational principles. When you apply the experience and dedication of the IFI Team, coupled with a humble dependence on God, we have the opportunity to do more than most could ask or imagine.

But we are not able to do this without you! 

The main thing we need at this point is financial support to get the work done. Simply put, it takes money. That’s why we are asking for your support and your year-end contribution to help us reclaim hope for our state. Together, we can ensure that families are protected and freedom is sustained for future generations!

If you agree, please take a moment today to donate to the work and ministry of IFI. It’s tax-deductible.

We cannot afford to abandon the public square to atheists and humanists.

You and I must faithfully fight back — and fight back hard!

Thank you for your prayers and support.

DONATE online today!  Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $80,000 by the end of the month.

You can also send a gift by mail to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188

IFI needs you!

In the media, in churches, in the halls of government, and in places of business, IFI will continue to speak out boldly in the midst of a state dominated by out-of-touch politicians, corrupt bureaucrats, far-left media pundits, and agenda-driven educators who are deeply hostile to the truths about faith and families.

But we can’t do this alone!

Please help support IFI’s important work & ministry.

We have several events already planned for first few months of 2015. A Pastors’ Legislator Prayer Day at the Capitol will be held on the first full day of the new session — January 15th. Dozens of pastors are going to meet to pray specifically for our new General Assembly and executive offices.

On April 10th-11th we are hosting “The Truth Project” with Dr. Dell Tackett at Medinah Baptist Church.

On the evening of May 7th, we will host an event titled “Islam in America: A Christian Response” with Dr. Erwin Lutzer.  This will be at Medinah Baptist Church as well.

Your end-of-year gifts help to carry IFI well into the next year. This funding coupled with your prayers and words of support affirm to us that the work of IFI is valued and vital to pro-family efforts in Illinois.

The rules of the Year-End Matching Grant are simple. Any donation we receive from now until the end of the year will be doubled up to the $40,000 limit. Mailed donations must be postmarked Dec. 31st. If your tax-deductible donation is $50, we will receive $100; if you give $100 we will receive $200 and so on. If you have the ability to give us a $1,000 or larger donation, that too will be matched. If we receive $40,000 in donations by the deadline we will qualify for the full grant, thus raising $80,000 in the last three weeks of the year.

DONATE online today!  Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $80,000 by the end of the month.

You can also send a gift by mail to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188

Dear Friend,

I really have something to say… that I have to get off my chest. Yes again. Sorry.

But this time what I have to say, in some ways… will shock you. Please read the entire message… it’s short and to the point.

Here’s what this is all about… many of you know that I have just released a new historical audio drama called In Freedom’s Cause. Like David Smith has for Illinois Family Institute, I’ve poured my heart and soul into In Freedom’s Cause.

And then, when I released it, a bunch of Christians attacked me for actually charging money for it instead of giving it away free. Listen, I emptied my retirement money completely to do this production. (I’m just trying to get some of the money back so I can do the next production.) But I’m doing all this because I really want to get the word out that history is full of great Christian heroes…

Just Like Kirk Cameron Did In His Movie, Monumental!

So here’s the thing that’s urgent… now a bunch of atheists want me to take the main video on my In Freedom’s Cause website down. I’m dead serious. They claim is that it’s “repugnant” because it talks about Christian history and… are you ready for this…

Perhaps Even A Hate Crime?

You have to ask yourself…”Has America really changed that much from the time I grew up?” Is simply telling the true story of a Christian’s life a hate crime? I really didn’t think so… but I have to face the facts…

America is in deep trouble and we desperately need to find our way back… so I’m asking for some help from some friends I know I can count on. Yep, I’m asking you for your help. Here goes:

Would you go to the In Freedom’s Cause website and simply “vote” on the video that these atheists say is repugnant? Then, if you want to leave comments and your “two cents”… I would be both grateful and honored.

Here is a link to the site. www.InFreedomsCause.com/vote-IFI3.html

If you have seen the video before… please, please, please vote anyway! Here’s why: I’m going to publically debate some of these atheists soon and I want to tell them that America is NOT what they say it is. Will you take a minute…

Will You Help Me Tell The World That
Americans Still Want True Freedom?

Please do this this right away, it’s urgent and important since the debates could start any day. Go to the website: www.InFreedomsCause.com/vote-IFI3.html

Watch the video and vote. In the comments box below the video, tell these atheists what you think. Tell them that our Founders were Christians.

Lastly, I have to say that going to Scotland and England to record the story of Wallace and Bruce has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me in my life and for that… I’m thankful.

As we move into Christmas, I want you all to know how thankful I am for you, David Smith, and Illinois Family Institute, who like Wallace is not afraid to take a stand.

Not sure what I would do without you. So, once again…

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

Bill Heid,
Executive Producer
In Freedom’s Cause
Under Drake’s Flag

P.S. I know the holidays are busy. But thank you to all of you who subscribe to Illinois Family Institute. It’s just another way to vote “no” to the atheists who not only want to take Christ out of history… but out of Christmas itself.

P.P.S. If you haven’t claimed a copy of In Freedom’s Cause yet and you’re a friend of David and Illinois Family Institute … use coupon code IFI3 to get half off on our Family Four Pack. Great for Christmas!

A couple of days ago, I announced the kick-off of our End-of-Year Matching Challenge. Any donation IFI receives until December 31st–up to $40,000–will be matched by a group of generous benefactors.  Our goal is to raise $80,000 or more this month!

There are just a few weeks left in this End-of-Year Campaign. But we have only raised a tiny percentage of our goal so far! We still have a long way to go if we are to secure the full amount of the Matching Challenge. And roughly one quarter of our annual operating expenses depend on the success of this campaign!

Traditionally, the last few weeks of the year are when many of you make your most generous annual gift to the fight for faith and family here in our home state. And to those of you who have already contributed to the End-of-Year Campaign, we cannot thank you enough!  Many IFI supporters share our excitement about the matching challenge and want to make sure we continue strong into 2015. Your concern for our success means a lot to us.

Our mission at Illinois Family Institute is to stand for biblical, Judeo-Christian values, and in doing so, to help bring Illinois back to a state in which religious liberty flourishes, families prosper and every human life is valued. Your support by the end of the year will ensure that we have the resources necessary to fulfill our mission in 2015.

Once again, any donation received by (or postmarked on) December 31st will be matched. If you contribute $50 this month, IFI will receive $100, if you give $1,000 we will receive $2,000 and so forth. New sustaining partners (monthly donors) will have their contributions matched for the first year, if pledged by December 31st.

No amount, whether a monthly or one-time gift, is too small or too large. We appreciate all of your donations more than we can possibly say.

May the Lord bless you and your family during this holy season. And thank you for helping Illinois’ leading pro-family organization continue the fight for faith and family in our “deep blue” state!

Please partner with us and make a tax-deductible gift today.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas season.

Sincerely,

David E. Smith
Executive Director 

P.S. Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $80,000 by the end of the month – Donate today!  To make a credit card donation over the phone, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

You can also send a gift by mail to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188

I am pleased to announce that in an effort to help us raise $80,000 by the end of December, a number of generous donors have offered to match donations to IFI all the way up to $40,000 dollars! So between now and the end of the year, you can double the impact of your giving!  

As we approach the end of 2014 and reflect on a year of challenges and rewards, I am compelled to thank God for all His mercies and blessings.  We have much to be grateful for.

Despite relentless attacks on the natural family, we know that God is at work in our lives, in our communities, and in His church. This year more than ever, I am grateful to have all of you as our partners in this fight.

Most recently, I am grateful that the Illinois House adjourned earlier than expected and Speaker Madigan declared the session sine die – which means all pending bills are officially dead.  This means the ERA is effectively dead, and will have to start from square one in the new session and with a slightly more conservative General Assembly, which starts on January 14, 2015.

I am very grateful for what happened in the Illinois Senate. A bill that would have radically rewritten the state’s divorce laws to the extent that would allow one spouse to unilaterally obtain a divorce without the other’s consent, among other troubling features wasn’t called for a vote. This means our lobbying and testimony in the Illinois Senate was highly effective.

I am also very grateful that the bill to ban counseling for minors who are dealing with same-sex attraction failed. Though this has passed into law in other states, we met the challenge and through much prayer and your generous support were successful in defeating it. But this bill will surely be brought back in the new 2015-2016 session. If we should learn anything from the Left, it’s that they are persistent and they never give up.

And neither should we give up! Will you stand with us in 2015 and double the impact of your donation today?  Donate online today!

There will be tremendous opportunities for continued impact and real change in 2015. It is only through your support that we are able to work tirelessly to promote pro-family views. We must continue to stand up to the attacks on our civil rights of speech, religion, and parental rights. The challenges facing Illinois are serious. Untangling the mess our feckless lawmakers have put us in will be difficult, and we have no reason to expect that the attacks against the fundamental truths concerning life, marriage, faith, decency, and the natural family will cease or diminish.

It is clear that the Illinois Family Institute is needed now more than ever.  DONATE ONLINE or call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

We appreciate all that you do, and ask for your continued prayers and participation. Thank you for your support! We look forward to partnering with you in 2015 to stand courageously and winsomely for the values we share.

May God bless you during this Advent and Christmas season.

Sincerely,

David E. Smith
Executive Director

P.S. Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $80,000 by the end of the month – Donate today!  To make a credit card donation over the phone, call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.  You can also send a gift to:

Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 88848
Carol Stream, IL  60188

The Board of Directors and staff of the Illinois Family Institute wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for your continued prayers and support as we work together to defend and advance biblical family values in Illinois. It is our prayer that you and your family will experience God’s deep blessings this Thanksgiving weekend as we express our gratitude to Him for His continued protection, provision and providence in and over our lives, our families, and our country.

Giving thanks is being grateful for who God is in the midst of everything. Its focus is on God and who He is, not on what we think we deserve. The entitlement mentality has swept our nation — even the body of Christ. But God is good and merciful, even when were were sinners. When we realize who we are and how far short we fall in contrast to who God is and what He has given us, we are grateful in the midst of whatever circumstance may come our way.

Here at IFI, we are grateful for the donors and supporters who have remained faithful in their support of IFI and our mission throughout this year, many doing so despite diminished income and revenues.

As we sit down for turkey, stuffing, and gravy, let us gives thanks for these great blessings, as well as all the other wonderful works done by our Savior over the last year. Let us remember the brave Pilgrims who came to America not because it was easy, but because they knew God had called them to begin a unique work of Judeo-Christian values that would become the most exceptional nation on earth.

We encourage you to share with family and friends this first Presidential Thanksgiving Day Proclamation given in 1789 by George Washington:

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor — and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be–that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

October 7th is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming
November 4th General Election

Just think about how many people you know who have moved or changed their name and need to re-register. Think of how many teens you know who are turning 18 and can vote for the first time this year. Consider engaging citizens who have not voted in the past to become actively involved in impacting our nation’s future!

God has blessed America with the gift of self-government — a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Voting is a privilege that millions of people in other parts of the world are denied.

But this unique blessing also comes with a tremendous responsibility. In Romans 13, we are told that all authorities are appointed by God. Who is the authority in America? If you look at the first three words in our U.S. Constitution, you’ll get your answer — “We the People…”

As Christians, we have a duty and a moral obligation to be involved in the democratic process. Imagine the IMPACT we could have on our government, its leadership, and our nation if we all simply registered to vote and voted our values!

Registering is Easy!

Two simple ways to register to vote:

1.  Register online, CLICK HERE.

2.  Mail-in Voter Registration Application, PRINT HERE.  Mail your completed application(s) to your local election authority (usually the county clerk). Click HERE to look up the mailing address. If you are unsure of your election authority, please contact us. Call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328 during normal business hours and we will be glad to help!

Voter Registration FAQ’s

Q. I’ve moved. Do I need to register again?
A. Yes. The easiest way to register again is to just follow the process above.

Q. My name has changed. Do I need to register again?
A. Yes. The easiest way to register again is to just follow the process above.

Q. I’m not 18 yet, but I will be soon. Can I register?
A. Yes. You may register as long as you will be 18 on or before November 4th. Just follow the process above.

Q. I sent in my form two weeks ago, but I haven’t heard anything back yet. Did it get lost?
A. You should receive confirmation 4-6 weeks after your original submission. If you do not hear from your County Clerk by then, give them a call. Click HERE for a list of County Clerk offices.

Q. I am a pastor or a church leader. Can I encourage the members at my church to register to vote and hold a voters registration drive?
A. Yes. Voter registration drives are not considered political activity. Although certain limitations are imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code and campaign laws, churches and pastors are able to engage in nonpartisan activity, particularly voter registration and voter education. There is no legal restriction whatsoever on the ability of churches to register voters or provide them candidate survey information, like the material provided in the IFI Voter Guide.

**IMPORTANT: If you are registered to vote but think you may be out of town on election day (e.g. college students, military personnel), make sure you cast an absentee ballot!

Click HERE for more information on absentee voting. If you have any questions about registering to vote or absentee voting, please call the IFI office during normal business hours at (708) 781-9328.

Spread the Word!

Do you have friends or acquaintances who could benefit from IFI’s informational emails? If you do, please forward this IFI email to them and encourage them to join our e-mail list! 

It is only because of concerned citizens like you that we are able to continue promoting pro-family values in the Prairie State. 

Thank you for helping us to reach more families!

Constitutional Amendments on the Nov. 4th Ballot

Two proposed changes to the Illinois Constitution will be on the November 4th ballot — one pertaining to crime victims’ rights and the other, elections. A simple majority of those who pull ballots or three-fifths of those voting on the measure itself will be required to make the suggested constitutional changes.

1.)  Proposed Amendment to Section 8.1 of Article 1 of the Illinois Constitution — Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote YES

Illinois Family Institute supports victims’ rights. Opponents believe this amendment is unnecessary because the current law already provides these protections. Proponents of this amendment believe it may ensure enforcement of existing law.  The 492-word amendment specifies twelve different rights for crime victims, all in current law, including the right to be notified about court rulings, proceedings, and to be protected from the accused during the justice process. The amendment gives the victims the right to communicate with the prosecution and to be heard at any court proceeding involving release, plea or sentencing.

2.)  Proposed Amendment to Section 8 of Article III of the Illinois Constitution — Elections

Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO

Proponents of fair elections argue this amendment would negatively impact and stop any effort to combat election fraud, efforts 31 other states have enacted. They also raise questions about the phrase “status as a member of a language minority.” It is unknown whether this requirement will eventually force polling places to provide ballots in an array of language translations or require them to make available language interpreters to convey ballot choices.

Referenda on the Nov. 4th Ballot

Three advisory referenda will be on the Illinois’ 2014 General Election ballot. On an “advisory referendum,” voters express their opinions. The question will not become law if a majority agrees with it, but their opinion will be considered as the Illinois General Assembly decides legislation on the issue.

1.)  Minimum Wage — Shall the minimum wage in Illinois for adults over the age of 18 be raised to $10 per hour by January 1, 2015?

Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO

Minimum wage hikes fall disproportionately on small-business owners who are less able to absorb increased labor costs. This means there are fewer opportunities for unskilled workers or adults to get started in the labor market and move their way up. This referendum would trigger employers to hire more workers under the age of 18 where the minimum wage hike doesn’t apply, forcing workers over the age of 18 out of a job.  Minimum wage hikes actually harm the very people that proponents of the laws say they want to help.

2.)  Prescription Birth Control Coverage — Shall any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides prescription drug coverage be required to include prescription birth control as part of that coverage?

Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO
Supported by Planned Parenthood

Since 2004, Illinois law has already required health insurance policies to include prescription birth control coverage, which could include abortion inducing drugs. Opponents view this referendum as a way to increase uninformed voter turnout.

3.)  Additional 3%Income Tax — Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to require that each school district receive additional revenue, based on their number of students, from an additional 3 percent tax on income greater than one million dollars?  (emphasis added)

Illinois Family Institute Position: Vote NO

This referendum would drive more businesses and millionaires, who are already highly taxed, out of Illinois.  Illinois is currently one of the nation’s top three income losing states — an estimated $20 billion lost as Illinoisans  moved to other states over the past decade. If the temporary tax is made permanent, which Governor Patrick Quinn and Speaker Michael Madigan are recommending, the additional 3 percent brings their tax to 8 percent, one of the highest in the nation.★

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Inspiring & Educational Event for the Entire Family!

On the evening of Friday, October 24th, the Illinois Family Institute will be hosting a special event in Effingham.  We are excited to present Pastor Dan Fisher and his presentation about a forgotten chapter in American history: The Black Robed Regiment.

The event begin at 7 P.M., and is free and open to the public.  Please click on the links below for more information:

–> Friday evening, Oct. 24th at First Baptist Church (event flyer)
213 W. Fayette Avenue
Effingham, Illinois 62410 (map)

Pastor Dan and his fast-paced multi-media presentation will tell the true story of American pastors during the War for Independence who were a primary force  in the fight for liberty.  The  British hated these pastors and gave them the title of the “Black Robed Regiment.”  Pastor Dan illustrates how that, had it not been for the preachers’ strong stand in the 18th century, America would probably not have come to fruition.

Please join us as Pastor Dan brings to life our Christian heritage and forgotten lessons of our past.  Bring your friends, family and neighbors!

For more information, please call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

Support the work and ministry of IFI today! 

Inspiring & Educational Event for the Entire Family!

We are pleased to announce that the Illinois Family Institute will be hosting a special event in Robinson on Saturday morning, October 25th.  We are excited to present Pastor Dan Fisher and his presentation about a forgotten chapter in American history: The Black Robed Regiment.

The event begin at 11 A.M., and is free and open to the public.  Please click on the links below for more information:

–> Saturday at 11 A.M., Oct. 25th at the Robinson Community Center (event flyer)
300 S. Lincoln Street
Robinson, Illinois 62454 (map)

Poor Little Mikey’s BBQ
will be available for purchase after the event.

Pastor Dan and his fast-paced multi-media presentation will tell the true story of American pastors during the War for Independence who were a primary force  in the fight for liberty.  The  British hated these pastors and gave them the title of the “Black Robed Regiment.”  Pastor Dan illustrates how that, had it not been for the preachers’ strong stand in the 18th century, America would probably not have come to fruition.

Please join us as Pastor Dan brings to life our Christian heritage and forgotten lessons of our past.  Bring your friends, family and neighbors!

For more information, please call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

Support the work and ministry of IFI today! 

Inspiring & Educational Event for the Entire Family!

On the evening of Thursday, October 23rd, the Illinois Family Institute will be hosting a special event in Marion.  We are excited to present Pastor Dan Fisher and his presentation about a forgotten chapter in American history: The Black Robed Regiment.

The event begin at 7 P.M., and is free and open to the public.  Please click on the links below for more information:

–> Thursday evening, Oct. 23rd at Agape Christian High School (event flyer)
5208 Meadowland Parkway #A
Marion, Illinois 62959 (map)

Pastor Dan and his fast-paced multi-media presentation will tell the true story of American pastors during the War for Independence who were a primary force  in the fight for liberty.  The  British hated these pastors and gave them the title of the “Black Robed Regiment.”  Pastor Dan illustrates how that, had it not been for the preachers’ strong stand in the 18th century, America would probably not have come to fruition.

Please join us as Pastor Dan brings to life our Christian heritage and forgotten lessons of our past.  Bring your friends, family and neighbors!

For more information, please call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

Support the work and ministry of IFI today! 

Forty days from today, our state and nation will be voting for candidates who will serve in important government positions that will dramatically effect the direction of our nation.

Obviously, this year’s mid-term elections are extremely important. Voters will be asked to decide if they want to continue with a big spending, freedom-eroding agenda, or do they want a government that stops the out-of-control spending and promotes our shared values. We cannot take our God-given civic responsibility and blessing of self-government lightly. And we cannot take our freedoms for granted.

As citizens, we have been given the awesome privilege and responsibility to select those who make our laws and govern our nation. I believe the Lord will hold us accountable for how we steward this gift of self-government.  Illinois has several competitive races this year. Your vote can make a difference. Christians have a responsibility to be salt and light for a state and nation in rapid decay.

The late Pastor Adrian Rogers said, “God created human government. It is, therefore, inconceivable that God would create government and then tell His people to stay out of it.”

To help encourage people of faith, we have created a bulletin insert. Ask your pastor and/or church elders for permission to place these inserts in the bulletin or a strategic spot in your church to get this useful information to the good folks in your church.

Click on the link below to download and print this latest IFI bulletin insert, ready to be copied for your church.  (For a three-up version, click HERE.)

You Can Make a Difference

I hope you and the members of your church find this material helpful. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact the IFI office at (708) 781-9328.

P.S. Do you know who’s on your ballot and where they stand on the issues that matter to you? Use the IFI Voter Guide at illinoisfamily.com and send the link to your friends and family so they can be informed voters too!

Even more information on the election can be found at ilvoterguide.com.