Muslim Civic Coalition Delivers Strong Advocacy in Springfield for Immigrant Rights, Nutritional Equity, Human Rights, and Free Speech
Team advances partnerships and works toward hearing on Halal and Kosher school meal funding bill.
Chicago, IL – April 17, 2026 – The Muslim Civic Coalition wrapped up two powerful and productive days of advocacy in Springfield this week. The Coalition works in strong partnership with other organizations, collectively pushing to ensure that our shared policy priorities move forward in the Illinois legislature.
Team members showed up in full force to support three key partner coalitions:
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) – advancing their 2026 policy platform to protect and expand resources for immigrant communities across Illinois. View ICIRR’s 2026 Policy Platform
Illinois Muslim Action Day (IMAD), in partnership with the Council on Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) – pushing solutions important to Muslim Illinoisans and neighbors. Learn more about IMAD and CIOGC’s civic priorities
Illinois Coalition for Human Rights (ICHR) – defending free speech, civil liberties, and human rights, including support for the anti-BDS repeal. Visit ICHR’s advocacy page
In a major step forward, the Coalition is working toward securing a hearing date for its Halal and Kosher plate funding bill in the Senate Appropriations Education Committee. Stay tuned for additional details.
Additionally, as we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, the Muslim Civic Coalition congratulates the Arab American Family Services (AAFS) on their successful Action Day and their beautiful display honoring Illinois Arab leaders in the Illinois State Capitol.
“At the Muslim Civic Coalition, we believe it is our responsibility to elect leaders who champion just laws and equitable solutions for our communities,” said Amina Barhumi, Executive Director of the Muslim Civic Coalition. “We are grateful to work alongside courageous legislators who understand that every student, family, and neighbor deserves the opportunity to thrive — in the classroom, the cafeteria, and in their daily lives. While Illinois proudly positions itself as a model state, we can only achieve that vision by showing up, pushing our leaders to be bolder, and holding them accountable to protect all us”
What’s Next?
The Muslim Civic Coalition is preparing for the upcoming committee hearing and will continue lobbying both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly for the Halal and Kosher Bill (Faith By Plate Act) funding bill. We are calling on you to send letters to legislators urging them to get onboard and help negotiate $5 million into the state budget. This funding would ensure that K-12 students across Illinois can request and receive Halal or Kosher meals when needed.
The Muslim Civic Coalition thanks its Springfield team and all partner organizations for standing together in this important work. Relational advocacy like this builds the lasting civic strength our communities need.
Get involved: Learn more about upcoming initiatives, sign up to volunteer for future advocacy days, send a letter to your legislators, or support the Coalition’s mission. Together, we build the civic power that lasts beyond any single election or legislative session.