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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2006 ILINOIS LEGISLATURE ON THE VERGE OF STRENGTHENING JOBS PROGRAM FOR THE BLIND This week marks the two year anniversary of blind business owner, John Gordon’s historic 225 mile solo walk from Chicago to Springfield. Mr. Gordon who is also the Chairman of the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors (ICBV), embarked on his journey to bring attention to state agencies that do not comply with State Law 20 ILCS 2420 (the Blind Persons Operating Vending Facilities Act of 1974). As a result of his walk, Mr. Gordon began receiving support and advice from members of Illinois’ General Assembly. Their advice, “draft new and stronger legislation”. With support from both sides of the aisle, and from every part of the state beginning to grow, even staff members from the Governor’s Office, Deputy Chief of Staff Louanner Peters and Special Projects Coordinator Seth Webb, gave Mr. Gordon the same advice in a December 2005 meeting, and assured him that the Governor would support such legislation. The Governor’s campaign platform emphasizes the creation of new jobs in Illinois; it is refreshing to learn that as opposed to being forgotten, this time the blind community will be included. Mr. Gordon therefore is pleased to announce that as a result on January 12, 2006 Senator Mike Jacobs (D-36) introduced Senate Bill 2330, the Blind Vendor Program. Senator Jacobs, whose late Grandfather Senator Oral Jacobs wrote the original 20ILCS 2420, continues his families legacy of working to better the lives of blind people. On March 2nd, SB 2330 passed the Senate; receiving affirmative votes from46 Senators, including Senate President Emil Jones, Senator James Meeks and Republican Leader Senator Frank Watson. I’m sure Senator Jacobs’ Grandfather would have been proud. Senate Bill 2330 was then introduced in the House by Representative Michael P. McAuliffe (R-20), where again it is receiving unprecedented support. In fact Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, who met John that day he arrived in Springfield 2 years ago, has been a continual supporter of the blind vendor program. Countless other legislators have demonstrated their support for blind vendors, whether it’s Republican Leader Representative Tom Cross or Senator Raymond Poe, blind vendors are being embraced in Springfield. SB 2330 is scheduled for a vote in the House next week, and is anticipated to be sent to the Governor for his signature soon after. The Illinois Committee of blind Vendors would like to thank the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Blagojevich, for their courage and conviction for creating a jobs program that will be touted nationwide as the most effective and the strongest work program for blind people. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
John Gordon |
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