Voters in Champaign and Cunningham Decide Pension Investment Policy
Early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election, where voters in the townships of Champaign and Cunningham will decide a non-binding referendum on whether Illinois should repeal its 11-year-old anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions law, ipmnewsroom.org reported. The ballot question asks residents to answer yes or no on whether the state should repeal amendments to the Illinois Pension Code that penalize American businesses for boycotting Israel.
Arguments Over Free Speech and Financial Impact
Supporters of the referendum argue that the current statute restricts First Amendment rights and weaponizes public pension funds for foreign policy objectives. Bryan Maxwell, an Urbana resident involved with Illinois for a World Beyond War and Champaign-Urbana for Palestine, canvassed neighborhoods to build support for the measure. He noted that many residents are unaware the law exists. The Illinois Coalition for Human Rights estimates the investment restrictions have cost the pension fund roughly $150 million in lost returns.
Opponents counter that the law protects American Jews from movements that hold them accountable for foreign government actions. Rebecca Weininger, senior regional director for the Anti-Defamation League Midwest, said repealing the statute would normalize and justify violence against Jewish communities. She also disputed claims of severe economic loss, stating that the figures lack verifiable proof.
Illinois Bars State Funds from Companies Limiting Relations with Israel
The Illinois Investment Policy Board currently bars state funds from investing in companies that limit economic relations with Israel, alongside entities tied to Belarus, Russia, or the shelter of migrant children. The restricted list features Adidas, Air Canada and 25 other companies. Unilever was added in 2021 after its subsidiary, Ben & Jerry’s, ended ice cream sales in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, though the company has since been removed.
State lawmakers previously introduced legislation, including House Bill 2723 and Senate Bill 2462 signed onto by State Rep. Carol Ammons, to remove companies boycotting Israel from the restricted list while leaving other categories intact. Those measures did not advance during the legislative session.
Ballot Measures Across Illinois Townships
While the referendum results will not alter state law, organizers hope the outcome will signal constituent sentiment to state legislators. In addition to Champaign and Cunningham, six other Illinois townships feature similar advisory questions on their ballots: Peoria, Kickapoo, Medina, Normal, DuPage, and Oak Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Referendum
What happens if the referendum passes?
The referendum is non-binding, meaning a majority vote will not change state law or alter the Illinois Pension Code. Organizers intend the vote purely as an advisory signal to state lawmakers in Springfield.
Which companies are currently affected by the law?
The Illinois Investment Policy Board restricts state investments in Adidas, Air Canada and 25 other companies that boycott Israel. Unilever was previously added to the list in 2021 but has since been removed.
Does the law prevent individual citizens from participating in boycotts?
Proponents of repeal argue the statute affects individuals because American businesses are owned by private citizens. Conversely, opponents maintain that the law regulates state pension investments and does not restrict individual consumer boycotts.
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