2026 CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD

The Honorable Robyn Gabel
Illinois House Majority Leader

Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel has long understood that justice isn’t just found at a courthouse, it’s also in a budget line. Year after year, Rep. Gabel has championed stable funding for civil legal aid in the state budget, ensuring that low-income Illinoisans have somewhere to turn when facing eviction, domestic violence, or loss of benefits.

“To me, being a Champion of Justice means grounding my work every day in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society. It means recognizing that justice is about fairness, opportunity, accountability, and dignity for every person.”

2026 GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD

Christine Haley
Chief Homelessness Officer, State of Illinois

Christine Haley, Illinois’ first-ever Chief Homelessness Officer, has built her career on the conviction that housing is a matter of justice. Through her leadership of the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, Christine has been a vital partner in Eviction Help Illinois, IEJF’s statewide program that connects Illinois residents facing eviction with free legal aid, mediation, and rental assistance resources.

“I am honored to receive IEJF’s Good Government Award. People experiencing homelessness are going through one of the most stressful experiences that anyone ever faces, and navigating the legal system feels like another massive barrier to overcome. The good work that IEJF has done to support people trying to navigate this complex landscape makes this award even more meaningful to me.”

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Illinoisians with cannabis convictions on their records are reminded to take the first step to clear their name.

New Leaf Illinois works with organizations like Prairie State Legal Services in Rockford to offer free legal help to people wanting to expunge their old cannabis convictions.

“Getting a cannabis record expunged means that it will disappear from the public view. That helps with employment, housing and just peace of mind that most people can no longer see that record,” explained attorney Lacy Burpee with Prairie State Legal Services.

Program leaders say while more than 80,000 people in the state may be eligible to clear their records, only 4,000 Illinoisians have registered through New Leaf Illinois.