The Making Democracy Work Award was established by the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CHICAGO in order to recognize and celebrate outstanding community members who demonstrate committed, visionary leadership that strengthens our democracy. This year, we honor Secretary Giannoulias for his pivotal role in the initiation and passage of HB2789.

This landmark legislation stands as a testament to Secretary Giannoulias’s dedication to preserving the pillars upon which our nation's democracy was founded: education and free speech. The passage of ILLINOIS HB2789 not only preserves and protects the fundamental right of the people of Illinois to express their beliefs, but it also stands as a testament to our enduring belief in the power of education to create informed citizens and resilient communities. The bill encourages and protects the freedom of libraries and systems to acquire materials without external limitation and to be protected against attempts to ban, remove or otherwise restrict access to books or other materials. With this bill the state encourages the improvement of free public libraries. 

Of course, HB2789 is far from Secretary Giannoulias’s only positive contribution to public life. As State Treasurer, he took important steps to improve the state's college savings programs, Bright Start and Bright Directions, as well as championing investment in the Illinois economy and spearheading environmental initiatives across the state. As Secretary of State, he has worked to improve public services, modernize government technology, and expand access to educational resources for some of our most vulnerable and under-resourced citizens, including funding for libraries at all state prisons and implementation of returning citizens ID cards. All of this work has served to improve the lives of everyone in our state and create pathways to greater liberty and prosperity for all.

In presenting this award, we not only honor Secretary Giannoulias' contributions but also extend our gratitude for his dedication to a cause that resonates deeply with all of us here. Secretary Giannoulias' tireless advocacy for HB2789 echoes the League's own mission to empower citizens and strengthen the democratic process. For more than a century, the League of Women Voters has strived to help make democracy work, and we see this accomplishment as a milestone, not just for Chicago or Illinois, but as a message to the nation that democracy is a precious thing that we all must work to protect. 

Thank you, Secretary Giannoulias, for your unwavering commitment to the principles that lie at the heart of our democracy. I sincerely hope other states will follow the example you have set.