March 23, 2023 – Libraries in Illinois, including at K-12 schools, could see their funding cut if there are efforts to restrict books, under a bill that passed the House this week.
House Bill 2789 would limit federal pass-through tax dollars through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for libraries that remove or restrict certain books.
State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, used a recent controversy in her district around a book titled “Gender Queer” that she said “the Proud Boys hate group” and “radical fringe” parents protested. The book has sexually explicit themes some parents found objectionable.
“All too often, we see the books targeted by these hate groups and radical fringe parents are books having to deal with LGBTQ+ identities or Black and brown authors,” Stava-Murray said.
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said the measure “strong arms” local communities and is “a complete assault” on local control.
“And for the state to tell a local library board ‘listen to the professionals, follow the professionals,’ I don’t understand why we have local elections anymore if a bill like this passes,” McLaughlin said.
Local school board and library board elections across the state are set for April 4.
The measure passed the House 69-39 and can now be sent to the Illinois Senate. As for local representation, Rep Dan Caulkins voted against the measure. Rep Sue Scherer voted for the measure.
