The primary role of an alderman is to be a legislator.  The City’s founding fathers envisioned a strong City Council.  Helen Shiller has always believed that local laws should center on problem-solving and improving the quality of life for residents.  As an alderman she has followed these principles and had many legislative successes.  You may also view a more complete table of all the legislation that Helen Shiller has either introduced or co-sponsored.

A Transparent Government

• Passed law that resulted in Hearings on Education Funding
• Passed law that required Open Process For City TIF Oversight
• Passed stringent new Ethics law
• Required the broadcasting of City Council meetings
• Introduced Ordinance requiring that Aldermen Work Full Time
• Introduced Ordinance seeking reaffirmation of Shakman Decree

Reducing The Burden of Hidden Taxes

• Passed law exempting residents from Parking Garage Tax
• Removal of 3 am—7 am No Parking strips in 46th Ward
• Passed Resolution urging State Legislators to reduce Property Tax burden
• Created parking ticket Payment Plan
• Created process to contest wrongful towings
• Pro-rated City Sticker costs for new residents

Common Sense Easing Of Regulations

• Created special parking permits for off-duty cabs whose owners live in the ward
• Created Medical Use Exemption to certain vehicle restrictions
• Passed a law reducing restrictions on private parking facilities
• Passed a law allowing Day Care Centers to serve parents who work at night
• Amended Parking Code to allow trucks involved in private construction or moving to park on residential streets
• Allowed live theaters to sell alcohol
• Allowed live theaters to open storefronts in more areas
• Reduced some restrictions for existing high rises on stairwell access

Fighting For Affordability

• Introduced Affordable Housing Zoning Initiative
• Passed Resolution calling for restoration of cut City College classes
• Passed Ordinance increasing City’s AIDS budget
• Passed Resolution calling for Congressional Hearings on Affordable Housing
• Instrumental in creation of 5-Year Affordable Housing Strategy
• Passed Ordinance prohibiting certain onerous ATM charges

Fighting For Workers

• Introduced Resolution In Support of Unions in 1996 fight with Bridgestone
• Found and Forced City to Enforce Residential Requirement For City Contracts
• Co-sponsored Living Wage Ordinance for City contractees
• Co-sponsored increase in Living Wage
• Co-sponsored Law that protects day-laborers
• Co-sponsored Call for increase in Minimum Wage

A Progressive Voice On National Issues

• Passed Apartheid Sanctions Ordinance
• Co-sponsored Call to HUD to save certain Affordable Housing
• Had City donate unused fire truck to Guatemala
• Passed Resolution Calling for US Intervention into Mozambique epidemic
• Passed Resolution Opposing certain provisions of Patriot Act
• Passed Resolution urging State and Federal Stem Cell Research

Environment

• Passed Tax Rebate for condos that recycle
• Passed environmental regulations for gas stations
• Passed Ordinance requiring motorcycles to have mufflers

Improved Quality Of Life

• Introduced Ordinance funding a Police Officer at every school
• Introduced Ordinance funding a nurse at every school
• Co-sponsored Ordinance criminalizing privacy invasions in public bathrooms and locker rooms
  

Women’s Issues

• Introduced Ordinance requiring the offering of Call-Blocking for victims of Domestic Violence
• Introduced Ordinance calling for CTA to accept certain Domestic Violence advertising
• Calling on Police to create Domestic Violence Unit
• Passed Ordinance to protect anonymity of domestic violence residences and shelters

Civil Rights

• Instrumental in passing the Human Rights Ordinance
• Co-sponsored law preventing City funds from going to countries that violate Human Rights Ordinance
• Co-sponsored law preventing City funds from going to banks that violate Human Rights Ordinance
• Co-sponsored Hate Crimes Ordinance