Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, Illinois PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results. 

AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR CONSUMERS

For more than 25 years, Illinois PIRG has stood up for consumers against big banks, credit card companies and others when they overcharge or mislead their consumers . >LEARN MORE

STOP SUBSIDIZING OBESITY

When big agribusinesses like Monsanto lobbied to keep their billion dollar junk food subsidies, we organized public opposition by talking to over 1 million people across the country and building a coalition of more than 550 small farmers. >LEARN MORE
 

 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Our toy safety reports and lab research have led to recalls of 150 toxic or dangerous toys, and our advocates have pushed to keep toxic chemicals out of all of our consumer products. >LEARN MORE
 

 

CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES

We exposed the Fortune 500 companies like GE and Goldman Sachs who stash their profits overseas to dodge taxes. Offshore tax havens have cost us an estimated $150 billion every year. >LEARN MORE
 

Our Mission
When consumers are cheated or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, Illinois PIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and wellbeing and fight to end them, using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation. Illinois PIRG’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.

Illinois PIRG And The Federation Of State Public Interest Research Groups
Illinois PIRG is an independent, state-based, citizen-funded organization that advocates for the public interest and is a member of U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups.

Since 1970, state PIRGs have delivered results-oriented citizen activism, stood up to powerful special interests, and used the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation to win real results on issues that matter.

Across the country, state PIRGs employ close to 400 organizers, policy analysts, scientists and attorneys, and are active in 47 states, with a federal lobby office in Washington, D.C. On national issues that impact Illinoisians, we also coordinate our efforts, pool resources, and share expertise so that we can have the biggest impact—here in Illinois and for the country at large.

Illinois PIRG Staff - A Partial List
Illinois PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, Illinois PIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight for the public interest.

BRIAN IMUS

State Director

(312) 544-4433 ext. 210

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

 

CELESTE MEIFFREN

Legislative Director

(312) 544-4433 ext. 216

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

 

GARY KALMAN

Federal Legislative Office Director

(202) 546-9707 x311

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

 

ED MIERZWINSKI

Federal Consumer Program Director

(202) 546-9707 x314

>CONTACT
>BIO
 

Funded By Our Citizen Members 

Thousands of Illinois PIRG members and supporters fund our staff so we can counter the influence of powerful special interests by: 

• conducting research; 

• educating the public; and 

• advocating in the public interest by, for example, making our case face-to-face with elected officials. 

Your contribution provides the resources and the clout we need to win real results.