Written by Benjamin Smith
In this 50th edition of the Illinois Family Spotlight podcast, IFI’s and Illinois Right to Life Action’s lobbyist Ralph Rivera gives us a recap of the spring legislative session in Springfield. Well over 6,000 bills were introduced between January 11, 2017 and May 31, 2017. Dozens of these bills were on our radar screen. For a quick reference guide to these bills of concern, please click HERE.
In this podcast, Monte, Dave, and Ralph focus their discussions on HB 40, a bill which removes the ban on taxpayer funded abortions.… Continue Reading

Written by Benjamin Smith
In this edition of our weekly podcast, Monte Larrick interviews Eric Scheidler, the Executive Director of the Pro-Life Action League. Eric provides assistance to local pro-life leaders throughout the country in organizing public pro-life witness, earning media coverage, working with police, and confronting abortion providers.
Monte and Eric discuss 2 pieces of legislation in Springfield (see below) as well as a few other pro-life issues, including the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).… Continue Reading
Written by Benjamin Smith
Last week, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) introduced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for anyone 21 years-old or older. These bills (HB 2353 and SB 316) would not only legalize the sale and use of marijuana (possession limit of 28 grams which makes about 60 joints), but also allows people to grow marijuana in their homes or on property they own.
That is why this week’s podcast is so very important. … Continue Reading