FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2025
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Young Illinoisans Set the Tone For Future Policy Change
Higher Education, Mental Health, and Supporting Young Workers Lead in Illinois’ Young Adult Policy Priorities
(Chicago, IL) – Today, Young Invincibles released its 2025 Illinois Policy Agenda, outlining important issues for young adults across the state of Illinois and their priorities for the state legislators and decision-makers during the Spring 2025 legislative session.
Though Illinois may be heading into a tight budget year, this policy agenda provides systematic and common-sense solutions the state should take to ensure the unique needs of young adults in the state are being met.
The agenda outlines YI’s commitment to equitable and adequate funding for Illinois colleges and universities, supporting student basic needs and mental health supports on college campuses, and improving workforce outcomes and protections for young adult workers. Crafted with the direct and continuous input form young adults across the state, including the Midwest Young Advocates Program (YAP), Youth Advisory Board (YAB), and attendees of YI’s 2024 Young Adult Policy Summit in Chicago, this agenda advances the priorities of young adults and has ambitious goals for the 2025 legislative session.
In response, Erick Deshaun Dorris, Midwest Regional Director at Young Invincibles said:
“The concerns of young adults have long been ignored and it’s time for Illinois to step up. While we acknowledge the state’s need to determine priorities during the upcoming legislative session and the tight fiscal landscape, we urge the Illinois legislature to adopt solutions and priorities that invest in Illinois’ students and young workers. Our policy agenda was crafted with the expertise and lived experiences of young adults across the state. As we enter the 2025 legislative session it is imperative that we prioritize investments to better the future of both Illinois and its citizens.”
In response, Khushbu Patel, Midwest Young Advocates Program Alum at Young Invincibles said:
“It’s a common misconception that young adults are disengaged or apathetic about the issues affecting our lives. Through Young Invincibles, I was able to connect with other young adults who inspired me with their passion and dedication. Together, we discussed key issues and advocated for meaningful change by addressing the laws and policies that directly affect us. This agenda is a testament to the power of youth voices uniting to make a difference.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org