as shared by our colleagues at Access Living ....
| Dear Access Living friends and allies, Yesterday was a big day down at the state Capitol in Springfield. Despite it being Memorial Day, both the House and Senate were in session. The budget was the hot topic of the day. The House Democrats caucused behind closed doors, and upon emerging many expressed that they felt the governor's proposed budget could not pass and a compromise would have to be found. Legislators end the Spring session May 31. Many of you are familiar with the disability rights direct action group Chicago ADAPT. If there was ever a moment for direct action pressure this is it. Yesterday, Chicago ADAPT led a group of about 30 people in seizing the Capitol Rotunda at an end of day press conference. The intent was to stay overnight in the a Rotunda for the 10 am Revenue and Finance committee, where HB 395, the 5% tax bill, could be called.Eight activists with disabilities were arrested. Fortunately, the Capitol police wanted to get home to enjoy their Memorial Day. The eight were released with a warning to stay off state property for the rest of the night. At 8:30, a vigil for the 5% was held on the sidewalk by the Capitol and was highly successful. This morning Chicago ADAPT and allies (including Access Living) will flood the Capitol for the 10 am hearing where HB 395 could be called. We must not give up, because any alternate budget plan will likely include cuts. We must remind legislators that people with disabilities need the social safety net funded by the 5%. We need YOU to help by quickly contacting legislators BEFORE 10 am this morning using these two action links. To send a quick email to State Representatives John Bradley, Michael Zalewski, David Harris, Barbara Flynn Currie and Marcus Evans, please visit this link. http://www.capwiz.com/ To send a quick email to State Representatives Frank Mautino, David McSweeney, Joe Sosnowski, Ed Sullivan and Arthur Turner, please visit this link. http://www.capwiz.com/ Yesterday's action also garnered coverage by the AP and ABC. See after my signature. Let's go Illinois! Amber Smock Director of Advocacy, Access Living ABC: http://www.wics.com/template/ AP: Disabled protesters arrested at state Capitol May 26, 2014 19:47 CDT SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Several disabled Illinois residents who were protesting potential budget cuts have been arrested at the state Capitol. Secretary of State Police handcuffed and removed the residents from the Capitol rotunda on Mondayevening. Police did not immediately return calls seeking comment and more details. Mike Sentino was one of the protesters. The Chicago resident who uses a wheelchair says he could lose access to home nursing care if the Legislature does not move to extend a temporary income tax increase. Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn wants to make permanent the income tax increase that's set to roll back in January. But the House couldn't collect enough support to adopt that plan to fund a budget blueprint of about $37 billion. Lawmakers have begun working on a scaled-back state spending plan. ### For more info: http://abilitychicagoinfo.blogspot.com/2014/05/urgent-state-of-illinois-budget-action.html |
KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT IN ILLINOIS - THANKS TO ALL IN ILLINOIS
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