Smoke-Free Chicago
In 2005, Illinois PIRG helped pass Chicago’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance in Chicago, banning smoking in workplaces—including bars and restaurants—to protect employees’ and patrons’ health.

Stopping A $2.1 Billion Rate Hike
In 2003, Illinois PIRG helped derail a bill that would have increased electric rates by up to $2.1 billion for Illinois Power and ComEd customers.

Making Education More Affordable
In 2007 Illinois PIRG and its coalition partners helped convince the U.S. House of Representatives to vote to cut interest rates on federally subsidized student loans in half, saving nearly 130,000 student borrowers over $4,000 each.

Working For Ethical Government
In 2002 and 2003, the Legislature adopted two Illinois PIRG-backed bills that bar government employees from soliciting campaign contributions from businesses they license, regulate or inspect.

Making Bottled Water Safer
In 2004, the Legislature passed the Illinois PIRG-backed Safe Bottled Water Act, which requires the Department of Public Health to license, inspect and penalize unsafe practices among water bottlers that sell water in Illinois.

Holding Corporations Accountable
In 2004, Gov. Blagojevich signed into law the Illinois PIRG-backed Accounting Act, which requires CPAs to register every three years, toughening education requirements and requiring Illinois’ accounting oversight agency to publicly report on its investigation and discipline of accountants and firms.

Backing Corporate Reform
After a wave of corporate scandals, including Enron and Tyco, in 2002, President Bush approved a landmark, Illinois PIRG-backed federal law that will go a long way to help regulate accountants and hold corporate executives accountable to investors and employees.

Protecting Our Children
In 2005, Illinois PIRG incorporated research on Web-based retailers into “Trouble In Toyland,” our annual toy safety survey. Since 1986, the report has resulted in over 100 recalls and the implementation of toy safety labeling in 1994.