Yesterday was a great day. Jim impacted many reps that were otherwise on the fence or completely opposed. He gave them his story and they listened. One rep couldn't find words after Jim was done. We'll most likely be going back down next week. I will update what days soon so if any of you can come will know ahead of time. Reps need to hear your voice. If you cannot make it please keep those phones ringing all week. It may be called up next week!!!! We are close!!!!
We had an appointment with one and all the others we caught walking through the halls. We stood outside the House and waited for them to come out as well. Some we gave business cards to and they would come out and talk to us.
We may be headed back down next week. We're hoping the bill will be brought to the table next week. How great would it be to be there when it's passed? Please, if your from Illinois, call your reps. I listed several that are opposed or on the fence you can call. We only need about 5-6 more to get the votes needed. If this bill fails we will have to wait until next January and then if it fails it's over. :-(
Some reps you should call and voice your support for SB1381:
Robert W. Pritchard (If he brings it up, his concern is the children and how the police feel about mj. Tell him how safe you are with the current meds you take and would never allow mj to be available to children. If he brings up have you tried K2 (yes he did), tell him how dangerous K2 is and there is a reason the house is debating to make it illegal)
Elizabeth Coulson (We met her at the Cerebral Palsy organization board meeting last year. She told us she is a supporter but you never know. Tell her your story and how medical mj could help.)
Ed Sullivan, Jr. (Thinks pot heads. Help us change his mind. He wants pharmacies but federally that wont happen right now. )
Emily McAsey (She is big on Marinol. Tell her that Marinol doesn't work for everyone. Her aunt was just dx'd with ms. Use that.)
Patricia R. Bellock (Not sure of her issue but know she is someone we're working on)
William B. Black (Be careful of this guy. He actually raised his voice to a guy with us that he was sicker than him at one time and never used mj. The guy he said this too has a degenerative spinal condition and has a morphine pump. Do not let him get to you, he's ignorant of what medical mj can do)
Bob Biggins (This guy actually told a supporter this bill is a kook. Tell him how medical mj can help you and how you know it's helped for others)
Please do not tell these reps I told you how they feel as this may make them defensive.
BUT, do drop Jim's name as needed. If they act like they don't know him, tell them they met him yesterday and was the disabled vet in the wheelchair.
You can tell them all the side effects of your current meds and how some work and some don't. Tell them no one has ever overdosed on marijuana but many have on synthetic meds. Jim's neuro said to emphasis how your meds make you feel drowsy, tired and other side effects you have. She said to also tell them about ms and how it can affect your cognitive function and that taking meds that make you feel drowsy and tired only increase that symptom.
Here is the link to find their numbers. If I hear of anymore names I'll post.
http://www.ilga.gov/house/