Illinois Railway Advocacy Day

Proposed state legislation aims to create a growing and dynamic railway program in Illinois, and to renew Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the most effective ways to bring legislation like this to lawmakers’ attention, and to get it passed. Join us for a day at the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

Schedule for Illinois Railway Advocacy Day on April, 30 2025:

Morning transportation: Everyone must find their own transportation to Springfield, but some HSRA staff will be on the first train from Chicago to Springfield, which leaves at 7:15am from Union Station.

10am – 11am: Meet at the Stratton Building, 401 S Spring St. We will gather in the Section C Conference Room, which is in the SE corner on the first floor.

11am – 12pm: We will stay in the Section C conference room to hear from elected officials and HSRA staff about efforts to create a railway program in Illinois.

12 – 1pm: Lunch at the Stratton Cafeteria Basement and you will be provided a boxed lunch. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

1 – 1:30pm: Gather at the M1 Conference Room which is on the second floor in the SW corner of the Stratton Building.

1:30 – 4pm: Leave in groups to speak with your elected official. Keep in mind that officials are in meetings all day and it may not be possible to meet with your representative. In that case you can still leave behind an informational sheet and let their staff notify them of your visit.

4pm: Option A: Head back to the train station to travel back to Chicago.
Option B: Attend the committee meeting where three important railway bills will be discussed.

Evening Transportation: Everyone must book their own transportation back home. There is a 4:46pm or a 7:24pm train back to Chicago.