HB 183 passed both houses in IL today after a couple of amendments were added. It's far from perfect but it's what we've got.
The question on my mind is this:
What happens if Gov. Quinn lets this sit on his desk after June 9? Will the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals say that no law is enacted and thus UUW/AgUUW are no longer enforceable?
Anyone that knows if that could happen, I'm all ears.
At any rate, lots have put in hard work and deserve much thanks. Lets all take a minute and send along a note of thanks to Todd V., Valinda Rowe, Rep. Phelps and all the others who have worked so hard to get us this far. We will need their continued support in years to come.
As always be sure to check out Illinoiscarry for updates.
- Posted on the move.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
In case you haven't heard.....
IL HB2193 passed the house today @ 85/30/1 with Speaker Madigan voting "aye"..... no, that isn't a typo, he really did vote for it (after speaking about it on the floor).
Although it isn't the perfect bill - far from it actually - it is a place to start. The length of training and fees will likely be challenged in courts fairly soon I'd guess (if it makes it the rest of the way through the process, of course). Judging from the average cost of most training I'm familiar with, a permit will cost a citizen around $400 + after the process is complete. I know plenty of single moms and elderly folks that NEED a permit, but won't be able to afford one....so much for equal protection....for now anyway.
Of course, Chicago and some burbs get a big kick to the nuts with this bill.... the mag bans, CFP, "assault weapons" bans will all go away if the bill makes it through everything. No longer can a municipality say what its citizens can do with regards to firearms. I'm guessing Da Mayor is fuming about now.
As I mentioned, there's more to the process and Gov. Quinn has already issued a statement that he feels the legislation isn't right for IL and will work with the Senate to kill things there. The battle isn't over yet folks.
We do owe a few phone calls of thanks to the people that have worked on this for so long, even though some weren't included in the drafting of HB2193. Todd Vandermyde of the NRA and Valinda Rowe from Illinoiscarry.com have been working non-stop for YEARS to get a solid bill passed through the House.... I'm sure they'd both like a bit more with this bill, but reality has sunk in that the Speaker really gets what he wants. Representatives Phelps, Bost, Reis, Sacia and others also have defended our Rights throughout this battle and deserve a big thanks as well.
The sad part is this: We have all seen first hand how one man can wield enough power to basically rule an entire state. I'm not sure what the Speaker is up to, but there's something here that will pay off for him or his daughter at some point in the future. His 180 turnaround was nothing short of masterful and demonstrates exactly why he's been seated as Speaker for so long now.
There are things wrong with this bill, but it also gets some other things right. I won't tell you that it's my pick of the littter... it's not even close. But I've also had to swallow a big pill, because I really thought that the Speaker would have his hands tied on this. Apparently, he's kin to Houdini.
As always, drop by Illinoiscarry.com to stay up to date.
Although it isn't the perfect bill - far from it actually - it is a place to start. The length of training and fees will likely be challenged in courts fairly soon I'd guess (if it makes it the rest of the way through the process, of course). Judging from the average cost of most training I'm familiar with, a permit will cost a citizen around $400 + after the process is complete. I know plenty of single moms and elderly folks that NEED a permit, but won't be able to afford one....so much for equal protection....for now anyway.
Of course, Chicago and some burbs get a big kick to the nuts with this bill.... the mag bans, CFP, "assault weapons" bans will all go away if the bill makes it through everything. No longer can a municipality say what its citizens can do with regards to firearms. I'm guessing Da Mayor is fuming about now.
As I mentioned, there's more to the process and Gov. Quinn has already issued a statement that he feels the legislation isn't right for IL and will work with the Senate to kill things there. The battle isn't over yet folks.
We do owe a few phone calls of thanks to the people that have worked on this for so long, even though some weren't included in the drafting of HB2193. Todd Vandermyde of the NRA and Valinda Rowe from Illinoiscarry.com have been working non-stop for YEARS to get a solid bill passed through the House.... I'm sure they'd both like a bit more with this bill, but reality has sunk in that the Speaker really gets what he wants. Representatives Phelps, Bost, Reis, Sacia and others also have defended our Rights throughout this battle and deserve a big thanks as well.
The sad part is this: We have all seen first hand how one man can wield enough power to basically rule an entire state. I'm not sure what the Speaker is up to, but there's something here that will pay off for him or his daughter at some point in the future. His 180 turnaround was nothing short of masterful and demonstrates exactly why he's been seated as Speaker for so long now.
There are things wrong with this bill, but it also gets some other things right. I won't tell you that it's my pick of the littter... it's not even close. But I've also had to swallow a big pill, because I really thought that the Speaker would have his hands tied on this. Apparently, he's kin to Houdini.
As always, drop by Illinoiscarry.com to stay up to date.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
They just won't admit it!
While it's been said that you should never give up.... The Chicago machine needs to get it through the collective skull that Concealed Carry (and maybe open as well) is coming to the Land of Lincoln.
The current word is that they are trying to amend a Senate bill that would allow home rule municipalities a 90 day window to pass local ordinances on CCW. This would mean a patchwork of laws across the state and a lot of good folks could be in violation for crossing a city border. No one could manage to stay informed of every local law.
Call your Senators, call your Reps. Remind them "no bad bills, no carve outs, ONE state-ONE law.
Don't forget to visit IllinoisCarry to stay up to date on the fight for your Rights!
The current word is that they are trying to amend a Senate bill that would allow home rule municipalities a 90 day window to pass local ordinances on CCW. This would mean a patchwork of laws across the state and a lot of good folks could be in violation for crossing a city border. No one could manage to stay informed of every local law.
Call your Senators, call your Reps. Remind them "no bad bills, no carve outs, ONE state-ONE law.
Don't forget to visit IllinoisCarry to stay up to date on the fight for your Rights!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
What a day!
For those not following along, the ILGA defeated a bill that would have removed pension investment monies from any funds that had gun manufacturers in the portfolio. Why on earth they'd want to stop investing in one of the few industries that actually makes money is beyond me. Anyway, that's off the table - for now. I'm sure it'll show up again in the future though.
Gun owners also had another victory in IL today: the House overwhelmingly passed a bill that will strip aldermen and mayoral types of their ability to carry defensive firearms. If it passes the Senate and the Gov. signs off on it, they'll be just as defenseless as the rest of us. It definitely sends a message!
Sadly, the much anticipated HB 997 didn't receive 71 votes. I watched the floor debate and really thought things were looking good but clearly I was wrong. Apparently, some Reps actually want Constitutional carry as they won't accept a bill that was compromised to try and ease their concerns. I'll hold my opinion on that for now.
As always, be sure to visit www.illinoiscarry.com for discussion and updates on all things 2A in IL.
Gun owners also had another victory in IL today: the House overwhelmingly passed a bill that will strip aldermen and mayoral types of their ability to carry defensive firearms. If it passes the Senate and the Gov. signs off on it, they'll be just as defenseless as the rest of us. It definitely sends a message!
Sadly, the much anticipated HB 997 didn't receive 71 votes. I watched the floor debate and really thought things were looking good but clearly I was wrong. Apparently, some Reps actually want Constitutional carry as they won't accept a bill that was compromised to try and ease their concerns. I'll hold my opinion on that for now.
As always, be sure to visit www.illinoiscarry.com for discussion and updates on all things 2A in IL.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
IGOLD continued/afterthoughts
Just wanted to mention that Todd and Valinda weren't the only folks there speaking today, many others shared personal stories and words of encouragement. Among them were Otis McDonald (McDonald v Chicago) and Mary Shepard (Shepard v Madigan).
Mary has been unable to attend the last couple of years as her Dr. hadn't released her to travel (at least that is my understanding...someone may correct me on that) and to hear her talk about being beaten and left for dead really struck a chord with everyone in attendance. It really couldn't have happened to a sweeter lady.
Once inside the Capitol I had the opportunity to thank her for standing up and taking her story to the courts, I can't imagine what it must be like to have to relate those events over and over again. While speaking with her I realized just how small of physical stature she is, I'm sure that she looks like an easy target for criminals and is.... as long as she remains unarmed. Being familiar with her story, I know that her attacker was approximately my size (6'2"/250) and standing there with her really illustrated just how much of a physical advantage someone my size would have over her. However, I know she's well trained and, if armed, she'd be a force to be reckoned with.
The media reports of attendees varies wildly, some stating that "hundreds" marched on the Capitol while others put the number between 3000 - 4000. My estimate was closer to 7000, I base this on the capacity of the main hall of PCCC (7700) and the fact that there were people all over the place outside the convention center. To say that it's tough to get an estimate on attendees is an understatement.
Yet again, the Capitol Police were heard to comment that IGOLD attendees are always a pleasure to work with and many look forward to it. Maybe they need to relay that to the "blood in the streets" crowd that wants to take away our firearms.
Sadly I wasn't able to get over to the grip-n-grin afterwards, the head cold that I thought I had shaken came back with a vengeance and I starting feeling pretty miserable while still inside the Capitol. Here's hoping that everyone there had a good time!
Thanks to everyone that puts on and attends IGOLD.... we ARE making a difference.
Mary has been unable to attend the last couple of years as her Dr. hadn't released her to travel (at least that is my understanding...someone may correct me on that) and to hear her talk about being beaten and left for dead really struck a chord with everyone in attendance. It really couldn't have happened to a sweeter lady.
Once inside the Capitol I had the opportunity to thank her for standing up and taking her story to the courts, I can't imagine what it must be like to have to relate those events over and over again. While speaking with her I realized just how small of physical stature she is, I'm sure that she looks like an easy target for criminals and is.... as long as she remains unarmed. Being familiar with her story, I know that her attacker was approximately my size (6'2"/250) and standing there with her really illustrated just how much of a physical advantage someone my size would have over her. However, I know she's well trained and, if armed, she'd be a force to be reckoned with.
The media reports of attendees varies wildly, some stating that "hundreds" marched on the Capitol while others put the number between 3000 - 4000. My estimate was closer to 7000, I base this on the capacity of the main hall of PCCC (7700) and the fact that there were people all over the place outside the convention center. To say that it's tough to get an estimate on attendees is an understatement.
Yet again, the Capitol Police were heard to comment that IGOLD attendees are always a pleasure to work with and many look forward to it. Maybe they need to relay that to the "blood in the streets" crowd that wants to take away our firearms.
Sadly I wasn't able to get over to the grip-n-grin afterwards, the head cold that I thought I had shaken came back with a vengeance and I starting feeling pretty miserable while still inside the Capitol. Here's hoping that everyone there had a good time!
Thanks to everyone that puts on and attends IGOLD.... we ARE making a difference.
IGOLD baby!!
I'm live from IGOLD today and it looks to be the largest crowd yet. At least DOUBLE last year!!!!
Todd Vandermyde gave a legislative update that was great and Valinda Rowe is currently on stage. As always, she is a motivating speaker and really touches home with the crowd.
- Posted on the move.
Todd Vandermyde gave a legislative update that was great and Valinda Rowe is currently on stage. As always, she is a motivating speaker and really touches home with the crowd.
- Posted on the move.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Location, location, location....
When the word "location" comes up this week, there's only one place YOU need to be:
IGOLD in Springfield, Illinois.
Yes, YOU do need to be there because last week Speaker Madigan and the machine played games with our rights and it looks like the games are continuing this week.
Last week it was concealed carry, this week they'll be looking to ban personal defense weapons (or what the media calls "assault weapons").
The details on last week are long and maddening, I'll refrain from getting into them here but I will say that we can't turn our attention away from things for even one day. If you'd like to read all about it, head over to IllinoisCarry.com for much discussion on events of last week.
"They" want an extremely restrictive "May Issue" law for concealed carry and use a lot of emotional wording to make that sound like a good thing. Here's a scenario that demonstrates why may issue sucks:
Let's say that back in High School I dated the current local Sheriff's sister and he was always very protective of her and didn't care much for me. Now, I apply for a RTC permit....even though I have no criminal record or any history of mental illness, he chooses to deny me a permit simply based on his dislike for me having dated his sister. Or maybe I didn't donate to the Sheriffs' Association, or maybe he doesn't like the way I mow my lawn.... Seriously, "may issue" laws allow for this ridiculousness.
We want a "shall issue" bill. This means that as long as you don't have a felony record, no history of mental illness, you currently hold a valid FOID and you have passed required training.... you receive a permit. If you are denied a permit, there MUST be a VALID reason for that denial and it must hold up under scrutiny of the law. Those that don't like shall issue will use emotion to try to convince you that it will result in handing out permits like candy to anyone that wants one, this is simply not the case.
We also want preemption. Huh? This means that Chicago would have to abide by the same carry law as every other part of the state, we don't want to leave our Chicago citizens out to dry.
Please call your Reps and Senators folks! Tell them:
NO bad carry bills
NO gun, magazine or ammo bans
NO to the city of Chicago's agenda until they respect the Second Amendment!!!
Also, I want to remind folks that you can watch committee meetings and floor debates LIVE online. It's my opinion that doing so should be required of every citizen, it really shows how inept some of our elected folks are.
To do so, go to www.ilga.gov and find the row of wording (in the blue bar) at the top of the page, place your cursor over the word "House" or "Senate" and a menu will drop down. At the bottom of that menu, you'll find a link for audio/video. If there's anything going on live, you'll find the link on the age that opens up....just be sure to have your blood pressure meds handy if you need them. Some of these folks have no business "leading" our state.
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