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by Sam Fisher, IPA president & CEO
Unfortunately, I have learned a lot more about trade laws and tariffs than I had ever anticipated. As I wrote in a previous editorial, I understand that trade laws are in place for a reason – ultimately, to protect American jobs and interests – but this round of tariffs will devastate our industry and the communities we serve.
We have every right to protect the best interests of our industry, but equally important is to convey the message that newspapers are a part of the fabric of the communities that we serve.
When Representative Cheri Bustos agreed to take the lead on the Congressional letter to the International Trade Commission, her staff was interested in knowing the specific impact on Illinois newspapers and that’s why we put together the simple survey we conducted from May 2-11.
The survey results speak to my point about this tariff not protecting American jobs or interests.
When it comes to jobs, the survey results clearly illustrate that not only have our members reduced staff currently, but that number will grow if the tariffs become permanent. Of the 250 newspapers that were represented in the survey, 42 percent have already made staff reductions or not filled open positions. If the tariffs become permanent, 60 percent said that there would be an impact on their workforce.
And then when it comes to interests, we have to look at the communities we serve. That focus is reflected by the amount of newsprint we have to use to promote and report on all the good causes in our community, as we are the conduit for these local organizations. If the tariffs become permanent, 68 percent of respondents will reduce page count and 13 percent will look at reducing publishing days.
As a long-time publisher, we would often donate space to the local United Way, so they could communicate their mission to raise the much-needed money to help fund services in our community. That type of arrangement is in jeopardy as newsprint prices continue to increase.
We’ve included the results of the survey online and if anyone has any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Our message has resonated with the elected officials we have met with, and the editorials written and published by our members have had a huge impact.
This issue is not over and it’s no time to lose the momentum we’ve gained so far – keep spreading the message, writing the editorials that make the case against tariffs and running the STOPP ads (if you would like to read what other Illinois newspapers are saying, click here to download tearsheets).
We always encourage our members to build relationships with their elected officials, and the tariff issue has shown how beneficial those relationships are in protecting the interests of our newspapers and communities.
I’ve seen how we’ve mobilized as an industry and that’s encouraging as we have more battles looming.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2025 Contact Information: Contact: Alison Maley, government & public relations director Phone: (217) 299-3122 Email: alison@ilprincipals.org
Dr. Angie Codron named president of the Illinois Principals Association
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) is proud to announce that Dr. Angie Codron, principal of Normal West High School in Normal, Illinois, will serve as president for the 2025–2026 school year. The IPA’s theme for the year is “TeamWorks,” which will be celebrated at the Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2025. “TeamWorks means we can accomplish more together than we ever could alone," Dr. Codron said. "My leadership philosophy is rooted in building strong systems that help teams work effectively toward big goals. I’m grateful to the IPA for the chance to highlight how both our personal and professional teams make a real difference in the lives of those we serve." Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director for the Illinois Principals Association, said, “Dr. Codron is an exceptional leader. Her vision for teamwork will continue to propel the IPA forward as we strive to effectively serve school leaders together.” Dr. Codron has been an active member of the IPA since 2016. She serves on the IPA Board of Directors representing the Corn Belt region and has previously held roles as the region’s diversity & equity chair and treasurer. Now in her 10th year at Normal West High School, Dr. Codron served as associate principal for seven years before becoming principal three years ago. Over her 25-year career in education, she has held various leadership roles including science teacher, assessment coach, basketball coach, and member of several district strategic planning committees. Her work is driven by a passion for building effective, trust-based systems that support team accountability and high achievement. Dr. Codron earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Eastern Illinois University, where she was also recognized as a Women’s Basketball Academic All-American. She later completed her Type 75 and Superintendent Certificates, as well as her Doctorate, at Illinois State University. She is also a proud mother of two sons: AJ, a Golden Apple Scholar and incoming freshman at Illinois State University studying elementary education and coaching; and Carson, who will be entering eighth grade at Bloomington Junior High. The Illinois Principals Association is a professional organization serving more than 6,700 educational leaders across Illinois. Learn more at www.ilprincipals.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025 Contact Information: Contact: Alison Maley, government & public relations director Phone: (217) 299-3122 Email: alison@ilprincipals.org
Illinois Principals Association names new executive board and board members
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Principals Association, which serves more than 6,600 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois, announces the following school leaders to serve as the Executive Board for the IPA, effective July 1, 2025.
Other new board members include:
For information about other board members and IPA regions, please visit www.ilprincipals.org/board and www.ilprincipals.org/regions. The Illinois Principals Association mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2025 Contact Information: Media Contact: Garth Reynolds, executive director Illinois Pharmacists Association Phone: (217) 522-7300 Email: greynolds@ipha.org Website: ipha.org | @ILPharmacists
IPhA applauds historic passage of HB1697: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act
IPhA applauds historic passage of HB1697: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act comprehensive PBM reform law strengthens patient protections and supports community pharmacies statewide
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) celebrates the General Assembly’s passage of HB1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, a landmark achievement in the fight to protect patients, enhance transparency, and preserve access to pharmacy care across Illinois. This legislation was a central focus of Governor JB Pritzker’s 2025 State of the State address, where he emphasized the need to confront harmful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that have driven up drug costs, jeopardized local pharmacies, and strained patient access to care. HB1697 now delivers on that call to action with sweeping, enforceable reforms. “I am thrilled that this legislation will finally reverse the alarming trend of pharmacy closures across our great state,” IPhA President Dave Bagot said. “HB1697 represents not just a policy victory, but a commitment to preserving access to essential health care services in communities throughout Illinois.” IPhA extends its sincere gratitude to Senator David Koehler and Representative Natalie Manley for championing this legislation. Their leadership has resulted in one of the most significant PBM reform packages in the country, built on transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care. HB1697 directly targets systemic failures in the prescription drug marketplace. The law eliminates spread pricing that has diverted millions away from patient care, ends PBM steering practices that restrict pharmacy choice, and mandates 100 percent rebate passthrough to ensure savings are returned to patients and health plans. It also institutes robust regulatory oversight through required annual transparency reports, plan audits, and market conduct examinations. The bill also provides vital financial relief to the state’s most vulnerable pharmacies. HB1697 allocates $45 million annually to sustain critical access pharmacies and invests an additional $25 million to enhance pharmacy access. These provisions are designed to stop the ongoing wave of pharmacy closures and restore access in both rural and urban areas. “This bill is a turning point. Illinois is making it clear that we will no longer allow corporate middlemen to undermine patient care and community health,” said Garth Reynolds, executive director of IPhA. “HB1697 restores transparency, puts patients first, and gives independent and community pharmacies a fair chance to survive and serve.” HB1697 would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy of pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and patients across the state. As the legislation now heads to Governor Pritzker for signature, IPhA remains focused on supporting its full implementation and defending its critical protections. “We reached this moment because our profession stood united and refused to accept the status quo,” Reynolds added. “This law is a meaningful step forward in building a health care system that works for Illinois patients.” About the Illinois Pharmacists Association The Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) is dedicated to enhancing the professional competency of pharmacists, advancing the standards of pharmacy practice, improving pharmacists’ effectiveness in assuring rational drug use in society, and leading in the resolution of public policy issues affecting pharmacists.
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