Jonathan Lackland, Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Minorities in Government, and Carrie Clark, founder of IllinoisHWA, have been lobbying Senators in Springfield for weeks to pass Senate Bill #3566.

It passed!!!  (37-Yea; 15 Nay; 17 No vote)

Senator Delgado has explained that ‘no votes’ are due to what is to happen next.  This bill now goes to the House for amendments they may want to add, or former amendments the House may want to change.  The House will then vote.  The discussion may be heated; this bill is contentious; the House is inclined toward loud screaming voices.   

Representative Art Turner is passing his chief sponsorship to Representative Eddie Washington.  Both have a heart for this bill, but Rep. Washington has more time at present to work on it.  Rep. Turner will stay on as a co-sponsor. 

What YOU can do NOW to help this important, humane legislation:

To find your legislators in both houses: http://www.elections.illinois.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1

To contact your senator:

http://www.ilga.gov/senate/default.asp

To contact your representative:

http://www.ilga.gov/house/

Fax or snail mail your story with or without your true identity, explaining your fear if this is the case, to:

Jonathan Lackland, IAMG, Executive Director

110 West Edwards, Springfield, IL  62704

FX:  (217)753-1277

Please, try to limit this to one page…just the facts, Gentlepeople.