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POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
ADVOCACY DAY TOOLKIT
Springfield, IL
April 13, 2016
POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
In order for Illinois to continue to grow and thrive, we need to provide access to the supports, resources, and experience that children and young people need to grow and thrive.
How? We need to invest in POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – programs and services that offer all children and young people the opportunities, supports and services they need to become healthy accomplished adults: educated, contributing to their communities, and self- sufficient.
Illinoisans need a •Connected: With positive connections to family, community, and friends; comprehensive opportunities to take leadership in culturally and environmentally robust vision of positive communities; and resources for avoiding behaviors in the community associated with youth development disconnection and harm. •Educated: Ready for school – at transition points, each and every day – and – a comprehensive experience academic success. vision of success for •Employable: Possessing the skills and dispositions to obtain employment and continue children and young on a path to a secure financial future. people. To achieve •Healthy: In good health, with strong health habits. this vision, all •Safe: Growing up in and contributing to stable families and safe communities. •Thriving: With their basic needs met in the context of their families and community, children and young including the basic need for food, clothing, and shelter; basic security; and a family in people need to be: which to belong.
We have work to do •Funding for Teen REACH: The Governor’s FY17 budget did not include funding for to make sure young Teen REACH. This is a vital program, which keeps youth safe and improves educational outcomes. We ask that the General Assembly include funding for Teen Illinoisans are REACH in its FY17 budget. prepared for •Healthy Communities Incentive Fund (HCIF): The Illinois State Board of Education’s successful futures. (ISBE) budget recommendations included a $15 million HCIF line to help foster school and community partnerships. The Governor did not include HCIF in his Some of this work budget, but this initiative could provide funding school districts and communities can will involve long- use to better align programs and supports around a local vision for success for term changes to children and youth. This line must be included in any state budget or any ISBE funding legislation. how we think about •Juvenile Redeploy Illinois: Juvenile Redeploy Illinois gives money to counties/judicial and organize districts to build up specific mental health and substance abuse services in their supports for communities. In exchange, the counties agree to send at least 25 percent fewer juvenile offenders to Department of Juvenile Justice lockup, and instead they keep children and youth. those youth in their communities and give them intensive treatment and court But there are supervision. This program is effective, dramatically cutting recidivism rates among actions that we can the offenders who participate, and saves a significant amount of money immediately. Part of supporting positive youth development includes supporting take today to programs like Juvenile Redeploy Illinois that provide intervention services and support holistic alternatives. positive youth •Teen REACH Codification Legislation (HB 4570/SB 2407): HB 4570/SB 2407 create a “statutory home” for Teen REACH – an important, impactful youth development development: program and the only statewide and state funded afterschool program. This legislation establishes by law the outcomes the program must address, could clarify the intent of the existing budget line, and sustain the longevity of this crucial program.
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 2 April 13, 2016
Designate April 13, 2016 as Positive Youth Development Day in Illinois!
Ask your legislators to
Positive Youth Development Day Co-Sponsors
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 3 April 13, 2016 Advocacy
The above outlined vision of Positive Youth Development will only be achieved through the work of strong advocates. Simply put, advocacy is sharing your point of view and ideas with legislators with the objective being to generate their support for your work. It is also a great way to engage policy makers in discussion of issues constituents, like you, face in your communities.
As a constituent, you have the right to express your opinion to your elected official. By sharing information with them,
You build relationships with policymakers You help them fulfill their promise to be informed You help them make decisions that are in the best interest of their communities You are viewed as a credible source of information on positive youth development Your input is valued and sought Your calls get returned
Get to know your legislator
Identifying your state legislator Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections District/Official Search page to find your elected official
Learn about your state legislator Visit the Illinois General Assembly’s website to find the following information about your elected official: o Full name o Party affiliation o Locations of their district and Springfield offices o Length of time in office o Committees assignments o Bills they have sponsored o Biographical information . Full-time profession . Work experience . Education . Areas of interest . Family
You can also find additional information by searching for a legislator’s website online.
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 4 April 13, 2016 Corresponding with your legislator
When communicating with your elected official, remember the following1:
Be positive and nonpartisan. Legislators are turned off by threatening or argumentative advocacy. If it is clear that the policy maker will not support your position, just give the facts and ask him or her to consider your viewpoint. This will keep the lines of communication open for discussing future issues. Be personal. Sharing your personal experiences and concerns during a visit or in a letter/email will make your message more compelling. Be persistent and patient. Building a relationship with your legislator and his/her staff takes time. Also, on many issues it may take several years to pass legislation. Stay on message. Focus your visit, letter, or email on one topic. Use separate communications for different topics. During a visit, work to return to your topic if the legislator changes the subject. Never give inaccurate information. It is far better to tell a legislator, “I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” Your credibility (and the legislator’s if he/she uses your information) is at stake. Be sure to follow up with the complete information. Relax. Advocacy does not have to be complex or intimidating. It’s simply you exercising your right as a citizen and having a conversation to express your views to the person elected to represent you. You do not need to be an expert. Just share your concerns and values, knowing that your views as a voter are important to your legislator.
Personal letters/email to elected officials The time-tested method of sending a written communication to your legislator remains one of the most effective ways to deliver your message to senators and representatives. What’s new, however, is that you can now deliver the message through various channels including fax or email.
Well written letters from constituents are: Targeted. Letters should be addressed to the appropriate legislators in the district where you live, and where your organization is located. Brief. In no more than two pages, one if possible, they explain the issue and the proposal’s impact. Not form letters. A form letter that is modified to deliver a unique message is more likely to influence legislators. Avoid personal criticism. Express appreciation for past or future support. Ask for a response. It is appropriate to ask your elected official to send you a letter stating his/her position on the issue.
1 WCCF Legislative Advocacy Guide http://wccf.org/assets/legislative_advocacy_guide.pdf Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 5 April 13, 2016 A letter/email to your State Senator or Representative should include the following items:
Heading: State Senator: State Representative: The Honorable (full name) The Honorable (full name) Senate of Illinois Illinois House of Representatives
Salutation: Dear Senator (last name): Dear Representative (last name):
Opening Paragraph: State the subject of your letter Use the bill number or name, if available Identify yourself and your organization
Example: “I am the resource coordinator/director of (organization’s name) which annually serves ______students and their families” or “I provide _____ programs at (organization’s name) that ______.”
Body of Letter: Explain the issue simply and factually at a level the senator or representative will understand. They’re not experts! Give a local, personal, example of the impact of the issue to make the legislator care. State your position on the bill or provision, whether you support it or oppose it. Be polite. There’s always another issue to fight another day. Thank the senator or representative for their attention to the issue. Let the senator or representative know you are a resource for more information. Ask for a reply.
Sample letter/email to elected official
State Senator: The Honorable (full name) Senate of Illinois Address
Dear Senator (full name):
Dear (Legislator):
As your constituent, I urge you to support positive youth development programs and services that provide children and young people in our community the opportunities and services they need to become connected, educated, employable, healthy, safe, and thriving adults. I ask that you support holistic positive youth development in Illinois by (funding the Teen REACH afterschool program, funding the Healthy Communities Inventive Fund, supporting Juvenile Redeploy Illinois, voting in favor of SB 2407).
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 6 April 13, 2016
(Insert a story about your program and how the services you offer connect to positive youth development. Share your program’s impact on your community).
Not funding these programs counteracts and undermines the important work our organization does to support youth, families and communities. With your help, we can ensure that young Illinoisans within our community and across our state have the tools they need to successfully transition into educated, self- sufficient accomplished adults.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
Telephone calls to elected officials You can call your legislator either at their district office or, during the legislative session, at their Springfield office. The Springfield office switchboard can be reached at 217-782-2000. You will most likely speak to a legislative aide rather than the legislator, but rest assured that officials take your input seriously.
To make the most of a telephone call, constituents should: Prepare for the call. Develop a concise list of talking points you want to share with the legislator during the call. Introduce yourself. Give your name and identify yourself as a constituent. Provide your address and telephone number if it is requested. If you are calling about a specific piece of legislation, identify it by name and bill number. Show appreciation. If your legislator has supported your cause in the past, let them know that it was appreciated. Focus on a single issue - Positive Youth Development. The programs and services that we are asking our legislators to support are a single issue that all line up with Positive Youth Development. State your position. Briefly explain your position and how you would like your legislator to vote. Thank the legislator. Remember to always be courteous and respectful. If speaking to a legislative aide, jot down their name. Follow-up. If additional information is requested, take care to provide it as quickly as possible. Keep track of your legislator’s actions and follow up with a letter expressing thanks or disappointment. You can check the status of a bill at www.ilga.gov.
Sample telephone call Staff Member: Thank you for calling Representative (Name)’s office. How may I help you?
Caller: Hello, my name is (your name) from (City), and I am calling on behalf of (your organization).
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 7 April 13, 2016
Staff Member: Wonderful, what can I do for you?
Caller: As a constituent of Representative (Names)’s district, (Insert information on why you support positive youth development, or any specific legislation you support specific to this work. Include why this subject is of concern to the Representative’s constituents) Remember, be brief!
Staff Member: Thank you for sharing your concerns with us, and I will relay your comments on to the member of Congress.
Caller: Thank you for this information. I appreciate you sharing my thoughts on positive youth development. Have a great day.
Meeting with your legislator
Face-to-face meetings are the most effective method of communicating with senators, representatives, and their staffs. In order for meetings to be successful, they also require extensive planning, an understanding of the needs of legislators and, perhaps, a rehearsal. Legislators will usually be interested in visiting your program, and staff is often searching for opportunities to use the legislator’s time at home most effectively.
Therefore, a visit to your site will often serve everyone’s interests. It is best to meet with legislators when they are home in their district offices during legislative recess, when they have fewer distractions from legislative business. The state General Assembly recesses are usually scheduled around holidays, campaigns for election, and during July, August, and early September.
There are times when meetings are appropriate in legislators’ Capitol offices during legislative session. These meetings may be tied to critical legislative action, or advocacy events.
Before your visit Make an appointment. Call the legislator’s Springfield office and ask to make an appointment for April 13th. If you can’t make an appointment – ask if there is a good time to stop by the office. Get informed. Familiarize yourself with our key messages and asks. Think about how you can use your work to emphasize how important a comprehensive vision of positive youth development is to your community. Prepare your impact story. Take time crafting how you will inform your legislator about your work, the number of youth you serve. Tell how your program has changed outcomes for a student, his/her family. Incorporate the impact/outcomes from your program. Gather self-assessments/internal indicators that show that your program is successful. Research your legislator. Learn their position on positive youth development.
During your visit Arrive early. If you are running late, call and let them know. Plan for 15 minutes Introduce self. State your name, organization and your role. Identify yourself as a constituent and point out any connection you may share with your legislator, such as a common school.
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 8 April 13, 2016 Thank your legislator. Thank them for their time. If your legislator has supported your cause in the past, show your appreciation. State the purpose of your visit. Be concise. And be clear about what you want your legislator to do. Deliver the ask. Show how your work connects to positive youth development. Share your impact story. Explain how your community and the policymaker’s constituents are affected. Try to get a specific commitment. Listen, respond, and don’t argue. You are the expert on your program. Allow the legislator to ask questions, ask if they have any questions for you. If you cannot answer a question it is okay to follow- up. Thank the legislator for their time. Remember to always be courteous and respectful. Get business cards for the legislator’s staff. Invite the legislator to your site. Leave materials. Leave fact sheets for your legislator and their staff as well as your contact information.
After your visit Report your experiences. Share the results of your meeting with the Positive Youth Development day organizers. Follow-up. If additional information is requested, take care to provide it as quickly as possible. Send a thank you letter. Arrange a site visit.
Sample thank you letter
State Senator: The Honorable (full name) Senate of Illinois Address
Dear Senator (full name):
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me (include date) to talk about the importance of supporting positive youth development in Illinois and in your district (include district number/area). As we discussed, and as I have witnessed firsthand these programs help support the vision of children and young people being connected, educated, employable, healthy, safe, and thriving.
I look forward to meeting with you again to further discuss the ways in which we can work together to ensure that young Illinoisans within our community and across our state have the tools they need to successfully transition into educated, self-sufficient accomplished adults.
Sincerely,
(Your name) (Your contact information)
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 9 April 13, 2016 Things to remember for April 13, 2016
Before your visit to the Capitol, please remember the following:
Bring photo identification. At the Capitol you will be asked to present a photo ID. Dress appropriately. It is perfectly fine to wear business attire or t-shirts representing your organization or group. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot to and from meetings throughout the day.
On the day of your visit, please allow extra time to go through security to ensure you are not late for your legislative meeting. Be aware of the following:
The public entrances are located on the east and west sides of the building Check in with the security guard upon arrival Metal detectors are used Bags are subject to search Students must be accompanied by an adult
Meeting Agenda
Stratton Building Cafeteria ~ 401 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL
Orientation - 11:00am Advocacy refresher Pick up materials Pick up lunch
Legislative meetings - 12:00pm-3:00pm Scheduled meetings Unscheduled meetings. If your Representative is in session you may be able to pull them off the floor. To do so: o Go to the 3rd floor outside the doors to the House Chambers. o Write the name of the legislator you’d like to see on the back of your business card. o Hand it to the official at the door asking him to pass your card to the legislator. Wrap-up • After your meeting, return to the Stratton cafeteria and let the Positive Youth Development day organizers know how your meetings went. • Submit proper paperwork for travel reimbursements.
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 10 April 13, 2016 Using social media
Social media is a powerful tool that is changing the way people absorb information, mobilize for advocacy, and raise awareness about issue campaigns. Within minutes, organizations and individuals can amplify a singular message and spread it quickly through social media. Advocates of positive youth development can benefit from how quickly information can be shared and how much their follower’s networks can see their posts and activities. Online media engagement is only expected to increase in the coming years; making social media communications a valuable tool for advocates to integrate in our advocacy efforts.
If you or your organization is not already on social media, the first step is to sign up for a free account. The steps to set up an account are basic, but both Twitter and Facebook have “help” pages that will guide you through the process and give you a better understanding on how the platform works.
Sample tweets
Choose the one that resonates most with you and your community. Please tweet at legislators by using their Twitter handle listed at the end of this toolkit. Also, use the following hashtags in your posts:
#Afterschool #communityschools #positiveyouthdevelopment
Positive Youth Development Day .@RepHandle designate April 13, 2016 as #positiveyouthdevelopment day - support HR 1129
.@SenHandle designate April 13, 2016 as #positiveyouthdevelopment day - support SR 1737
.@RepHandle Positive Youth Development provides the supports young people need to become healthy accomplished adults
.@RepHandle for young Illinoisans to grow & and thrive they need access to the supports, resources, and services
.@RepHandle prepare children & young people for the future - support Positive Youth Development
.@RepHandle catch the vision! Support programs that ensure the success of IL’s children and young people
Teen REACH Funding .@RepHandle afterschool programs support safety, academic achievement & success, fund Teen REACH!
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 11 April 13, 2016 .@RepHandle Teen REACH keeps kids safe, inspires learning & supports working families
.@RepHandle too many IL kids are already left without safe options afterschool fund Teen REACH
.@RepHandle Teen REACH helps close the skills gap + the achievement gap so youth can thrive
.@RepHandle Teen REACH fosters Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring, & Hope. Putting success in REACH
.@RepHandle without funding 4 Teen REACH for many IL kids success is out of REACH
Healthy Communities Incentive Fund Support #communityschools by supporting Healthy Comm Incentive $$ to align comms resources around students
Healthy Comm Incentive $$ can help comms remove barriers to student success and youth development #communityschools
Juvenile Redeploy Illinois .@RepHandle For many kids in IL, the state budget impasse means going to youth prison instead of getting the help they need at home
.@RepHandle Redeploy Illinois costs $5,502 per kid per year. But sending that same kid to prison? $111,000
.@RepHandle last year, Redeploy Illinois diverted 689 at risk youth into community-based programming
.@RepHandle Redeploy Illinois interrupts the cycle of crime and reduces recidivism. Let's save this program
.@RepHandle our kids deserve a second chance. At risk youths don't need incarceration, they need care
Teen REACH Codification Legislation To view supporters of these bills, click here. .@SenHandle thanks for sponsoring SB 2407 @RepHandle thanks for sponsoring HB 4570
For those who have not supported the bill: @RepHandle give Teen REACH a statutory home - sponsor HB 4570 .@SenHandle give Teen REACH a statutory home - vote yes for SB 2407
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 12 April 13, 2016 Sample Facebook posts
Positive Youth Development Day • We have work to do to make sure young Illinoisans are prepared for successful futures. Some of this work will involve long-term changes to how we think about and organize supports for children and youth. But there are actions that we can take today to support holistic positive youth development: Fund Teen REACH, Fund the Healthy Communities Incentive Fund, Support Juvenile Redeploy Illinois, and Support Teen REACH Codification Legislation HB 4570 and SB 2407.
The state of Illinois has been without a signed budget since July 1, 2015. As a result, funding for many programs and services that benefit youth and families has ceased. Without these vital supports a disproportionate number or Illinois children and young people will not be prepared for the future.
Teen REACH Funding Funding for Teen REACH: The Governor’s FY17 budget did not include funding for Teen REACH. This is a vital program, which keeps youth safe and improves educational outcomes. We ask that the General Assembly include funding for Teen REACH in its FY17 budget.
Teen REACH is a quality program that helps to improve educational outcomes for Illinois youth. 99.3% of Teen REACH high school seniors graduate, which is higher than the state average of only about 86%. 93% of Teen REACH participants improve their grades while in the program. 99.8% of Teen REACH youth are safe from violence during program hours, and 77% of Teen REACH youth improved anger- management and conflict-resolution skills through the program.
Healthy Communities Incentive Fund ISBE proposed a $15m Healthy Community Incentive Fund program in its FY17 budget. This program is designed to help districts and communities coordinate, align, and leverage efforts to solve complex social problems within communities aimed toward serving the needs of the “whole child.” Aligning resources at the community level – with districts and schools at the heart of these efforts – is critical to ensuring that young people in Illinois are ready for school every day and at every stage, and are prepared to successful futures.
Juvenile Redeploy Illinois A state-funded program designed to break the school-prison pipeline, Redeploy Illinois, is shutting down service across IL due to the state budget impasse.
State budget woes are destroying a program that helps juvenile offenders, Redeploy Illinois, one of the state’s most successful diversion programs.
Since ‘05, Redeploy IL has diverted 1,793 youth from youth prisons, saving IL over $88m in tax payer $ in unnecessary incarceration costs.
Prison is the worst place to put a child. Invest in effective programs like Redeploy IL which improve youth outcomes and saves IL millions. Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 13 April 13, 2016
10 months without a state budget means Redeploy Illinois, a successful juvenile diversion program is shut down in 25 counties.
Teen REACH Codification Legislation There is currently no line item for Teen REACH, and Illinois law does not define or explain this program. A codification bill would: o Give legislators an opportunity to show their support for this vital program o Establish by law the outcomes the program must address o Help clarify the intent of the existing budget line item which includes Teen REACH and sustain the longevity of this crucial program
Illinois Afterschool Infographics
Positive Youth Development Advocacy Day Toolkit 14 April 13, 2016 Find Your Senator and Representative on Social Media
Senators The following Senators serve on the Human Services and/or Elem/Secondary Education Committees. Not sure who your State Senator & Representative are? Find them here.
Sen. William Delgado (D) Sen. Mattie Hunter (D) Sen. Antonio Muñoz (D) 2nd District 3rd District 1st District Phone: (217) 782-5652 Phone: (217) 782-5966 Phone: (217) 782-9415 Contact Page: bit.ly/1NagPmQ Contact Page: bit.ly/1yWr5TV Contact Page: bit.ly/1GjuajL Twitter: @SenDelgado Twitter: @SenatorHunter Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1GIkind Key Committees: Senate HS; Senate Education (Chairperson); Appropriations I. Key Committees: Senate HS; Appropriations I.
Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford (D) Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D) Sen. Heather A. Steans (D) 4th District 5th District 7th District
Phone: (217) 782-8505 Phone: (217) 782-6252 Phone: (217) 782-8492 Contact Page: bit.ly/1a6u0mx Contact Page: bit.ly/1HZwL4T Contact Page: bit.ly/1CVCw20 Twitter: @LLCoolK_4 Twitter: @SenatorVanPelt Twitter: @HeatherSteans Facebook: on.fb.me/1ahGW9L Key Committees: Senate Education Key Committees: Senate HS; Appropriations I (Vice-Chairperson) Key Committees: Appropriations I. (Chairperson).
Sen. Daniel Biss (D) Sen. Ira Silverstein (D) 9th District Sen. Martin Sandoval (D) 8th District 11th District Phone: (217) 782-2119 Phone: (217) 782-5500 Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-5304 Contact Page: bit.ly/1GudpVF Twitter: @danielbiss Contact Page: bit.ly/1bGcXcU Twitter: @SenSilverstein Facebook: on.fb.me/1Ph5TCA Twitter: @SenatorSandoval Facebook: on.fb.me/1JG4ctK Facebook: on.fb.me/1Ibu16N Key Committees: Senate HS (Chairperson); Senate Education; Appropriations I.
Sen. Steven M. Landek (D) Sen. Kwame Raoul (D) Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D) 12th District 13th District 16th District
Phone: (217) 782-5338 Phone: (217) 782-1607 Phone: (217) 782-0054 Contact Page: bit.ly/1DLYG4a Contact Page: bit.ly/1Do0hNh Contact Page: bit.ly/1PCAutp Twitter: @KwameRaoul Twitter: @senatorjacqui Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1DxH90r Facebook: on.fb.me/1bsHqdA Facebook: on.fb.me/1DnZiwh
Sen. Iris Y. Martinez (D) Sen. Michael Noland (D) Sen. Julie A. Morrison (D) 20th District 22nd District 29th District
Phone: (217) 782-8191 Phone: (217) 782-7746 Phone: (217) 782-3650 Contact Page: bit.ly/1a6w4ei Contact Page: bit.ly/1GM74WP Contact Page: bit.ly/1a6ex67 Twitter: @ilsenmartinez Twitter: N/A Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1GM6W9G Facebook: on.fb.me/1JpjLXd Facebook: on.fb.me/1Jp8kyH
Key Committees: Senate Education Key Committees: Senate Education Key Committees: Senate HS (Vice-Chairperson); Senate Education
Sen. Melinda Bush (D) Sen. Karen McConnaughay (D) Sen. Steve Stadelman (D) 31st District 33rd District 34th District
Phone: (217) 782-7353 Phone: (217) 782-1977 Phone: (217) 782-8022 Contact Page: bit.ly/1NUnH2O Contact Page: bit.ly/1Dl9b2s Contact Page: bit.ly/1JpkkQS Twitter: @SenatorBush Twitter: @kmcconnaughay33 Twitter: @SteveStadelman Facebook: on.fb.me/1c9zRck Facebook: on.fb.me/1GM7Oev Facebook: on.fb.me/1ahGxUA
Key Committees: Senate HS; Senate Key Committees: Senate Education Key Committees: Senate Education; Education Appropriations I.
Sen. Dave Syverson (R) Sen. Sue Rezin (R) 35th District 38th District Sen. Linda Holmes (D) 42nd District Phone: (217) 782-5413 Phone:(217) 782-3840 129 Capitol Building Contact Page: bit.ly/1HRqE2p Contact Page: bit.ly/1aL9xFl Twitter: @Sen1Dave Twitter: @SenatorRezin Phone: (217) 782-0422 Facebook: on.fb.me/1CxI1k1 Contact Page: bit.ly/1Do0LD1 Key Committees: Senate HS (Minority Twitter: N/A Spokesperson); Key Committees: Senate Education Facebook: on.fb.me/1bGiGiK
Sen. Tim Bivins (R) Sen. Andy Manar (D) 45th District Sen. John Sullivan (D) 48th District 47th District Phone: (217) 782-0180 Phone: (217) 782-0228 Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-2479 Contact Page: bit.ly/1Ch26MH Twitter: N/A Contact Page: bit.ly/1Kiest4 Twitter: @AndyManar Facebook: on.fb.me/1a2ro9q Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1O4DjCO Facebook: on.fb.me/1z6viKv Key Committees: Senate HS; Key Committees: Senate Education; Appropriations I. Appropriations I.
Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D) Sen. Chapin Rose (R) 49th District 51st District Sen. Scott Bennett (D) 52nd District Phone: (217) 782-0052 Phone: (217) 558-1006 Contact Page: bit.ly/1CVTbmh Contact Page: bit.ly/1amnqsA Phone: (217) 782-2507 Twitter: @49JBT Twitter: @SenChapinRose Contact Page: bit.ly/1deVwjV Facebook: on.fb.me/1E6WWaE Facebook: on.fb.me/1ahHBIb Twitter: @Scott_m_bennett Facebook: on.fb.me/1Fn4p66 Key Committees: Senate Education Key Committees: Senate Education; Appropriations I.
Sen. Jason A. Barickman (R) Sen. Dale A. Righter (R) Sen. David S. Luechtefeld (R) 53rd District 55th District 58th District
Phone: (217) 782-6597 Phone: (217) 782-6674 Phone: (217) 782-8137 Email:[email protected] Contact Page: bit.ly/1FhXyfa Contact Page: bit.ly/1FCNz1l Twitter: @SenChapinRose Twitter: N/A Twitter: @daveluechtefeld Facebook: on.fb.me/1H2Hzkk Facebook: on.fb.me/1CVGyHJ Facebook: on.fb.me/1amp2md
Key Committees: Senate Education; Key Committees: Senate HS Key Committees: Senate Education Appropriations I.
Sen. Gary Forby (D) 59th District
Phone: (217) 782-5509 Contact Page: bit.ly/1IYnScf Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1GvNu2D
Representatives The following Representatives serve on the Human Services and/or Elem/Secondary Education Appropriations Committees. Not sure who your State Senator & Representative are? Find them here.
Rep. Daniel Burke (D) Rep. Edward J. Acevedo (D) Rep. Cynthia Soto (D) 1st District 2nd District 4th District
Phone: (217) 782-2855 Phone: (217) 782-0150 Phone: (217) 782-1117 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @EdwardJAcevedo Twitter: @StateRepSoto Twitter: N/A Key Committees: HS Approps; Key Committees: ED Approps ED Approps
Rep. Sonya M. Harper (D) Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch (D) Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D) 6th District 7th District 8th District
Phone: (217) 782-5971 Phone: (217) 782-8120 Phone: (217) 782-5962 Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Twitter: @repchriswelch Twitter: @justice4all44 Facebook: on.fb.me/1Fo7Kml Key Committees: Key Committees: HS Approps Elem Sec Ed School Curricu Policies Key Committees: D Approps
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D) Rep. Arthur Turner (D) Rep. Pamela Reaves-Harris (D) 12th District 9th District 10th District Phone: (217) 782-8062 Phone: (217) 782-8116 Phone: (217) 782-8077 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @StateRepSara Contact Page: bit.ly/1b2IMLA Contact Page: bit.ly/1GvR3Wu Facebook: on.fb.me/1E15q2S Twitter: @repartturner Twitter: @PamelaForUs Facebook: on.fb.me/1ErYQSX Key Committees: HS Approps
Rep. Greg Harris (D) Rep. Robyn Gabel (D) 13th District Rep. John D’Amico (D) 18th District 15th District Phone: (217) 782-3835 Phone: (217) 782-8052 Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-8198 Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Email: [email protected] Twitter: @RobynGabel Facebook: on.fb.me/1Fiy3VN Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1c4NIRi
Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: HS Approps (Vice- (Chairperson) Chairperson)
Rep. Silvana Tabares (D) Rep. Michael Madigan (D) Rep. Michael Zalewski (D) 21st District 22nd District 23rd District
Phone: (217) 782-7752 Phone: (217) 782-5350 Phone: (217) 782-5280 Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1JGh1Ek Facebook: on.fb.me/1df30DK
Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D) Rep. Christian Mitchell (D) 24th District 26th District Rep. William Davis (D) 30th District Phone: (217) 782-8173 Phone: (217) 782-2023 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-8197 Twitter: @RepHernandez Twitter: @Cljmitchell Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1CbqwqL Key Committees: Elem Sec Ed School Curricu Key Committees: ED Approps Key Committees: HS Approps; Policies (Chairperson) ED Approps (Vice-Chair Person)
Rep. Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D) Rep. Mary Flowers (D) Rep. André Thapedi (D) 34th District 31st District 32nd District Phone: (217) 782-6476 Phone: (217) 782-4207 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-1702 Twitter: N/A Twitter: @RepMaryFlowers Email: [email protected] Twitter: @RepThapedi Key Committees: Elem Sec Ed School Curricu Policies
Rep. Al Riley (D) Rep. Will Guzzardi (D) Rep. Kelly Burke (D) 38th District 39th District 36th District Phone: (217) 558-1007 Phone: (217) 558-1032 Phone: (217) 782-0515 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @repalriley Twitter: @WillGuzzardi Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1ctsjSb Facebook: on.fb.me/1Qv53CG
Key Committees: ED Approps Key Committees: Elem Sec Ed School Curricu Policies
Rep. Jeanne M. Ives (R) Rep. Patricia R. Bellock (R) Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. (D) 42nd District 47th District 40th District Phone: (217) 558-1037 Phone: (217) 782-1448 Phone: (217) 782-8117 Email: [email protected] Contact Page: bit.ly/1H8tcuL Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Twitter: N/A Twitter: @MyStaterep40 Facebook: on.fb.me/1CZXexT Key Committees: HS Approps (Spokesperson) Key Committees: ED Approps
Rep. David McSweeney (R) Rep. Michelle Mussman (D) Rep. Rita Mayfield (D) 52nd District 56th District 60th District
Phone: (217) 782-1517 Phone: (217) 782-3725 Phone: (217) 558-1012 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @David_McSweeney Twitter: N/A Twitter: @RitaMayfield Facebook: on.fb.me/1Cn6Z6V Key Committees: HS Approps; ED Approps Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: ED Approps
Rep. Sheri L Jesiel (R) Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R) Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R) 61st District 64th District 69th District
Phone: (217) 782-8151 Phone: (217) 782-1664 Phone: (217) 782-0548 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Twitter: @bmwheeler Twitter: @repsosnowski69 Facebook: on.fb.me/1DgDQy4 Facebook: on.fb.me/1JvNYDT Key Committees: ED Approps Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: ED Approps
Rep. Robert W. Pritchard (R) Rep. David R. Leitch (R) 70th District 73rd District Rep. John D. Anthony (R) 75th District Phone: (217) 782-0425 Phone: (217) 782-8108 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 782-5997 Twitter: @RepPritchard Twitter: N/A Email: [email protected] Twitter: @StateRepAnthony Key Committees: ED Approps Key Committees: HS Approps Facebook: on.fb.me/1Do5uoa (Spokesperson)
Rep. Kathleen Willis (D) Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (D) Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D) 77th District 78th District 83rd District
Phone: (217) 782-3374 Phone: (217) 782-6400 Phone: (217) 558-1002 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @repwillis77 Twitter: N/A Twitter: @lindachapalavia Facebook: on.fb.me/1b2Ltg5 Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: Elem Sec Ed School Curricu Policies
Rep. Emily McAsey (D) Rep. Tom Demmer (R) Rep. Michael Unes (R) 85th District 90th District 91st District
Phone: (217) 782-4179 Phone: (217) 782-0535 Phone: (217) 782-8152 Twitter: N/A Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tomdemmer Twitter: @mikeunes Key Committees: ED Approps Facebook: on.fb.me/1IoOeH8 Facebook: on.fb.me/1FyvscI
Key Committees: HS Approps; ED Approps Key Committees: HS Approps
Rep. Norine Hammond (R) Rep. Randy Frese (R) 93rd District 94th District Rep. Sue Scherer (D) 96th District Phone: (217) 782-0416 Phone: (217) 782-8096 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 524-0353 Twitter: N/A Twitter: @ElectFrese Email: [email protected] Facebook: on.fb.me/1O4ArGb Twitter: N/A Facebook: on.fb.me/1z6KwPL Key Committees: HS Approps
Rep. Natalie A. Manley (D) Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R) Rep. Carol Ammons (R) 98th District 100th District 103rd District
Phone: (217) 782-3316 Phone: (217) 782-1840 Phone: (217) 558-1009 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact Page: bit.ly/1yce3H3 Twitter: @repmanley Twitter: @RepCD Twitter: @StateRepAmmons Facebook: on.fb.me/1HNcBL7 Facebook: on.fb.me/1Fyt31F Facebook: on.fb.me/1EgQkqh
Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: ED Approps
Rep. Thomas Bennett (R) Rep. Chad Hays (R) Rep. Dan Brady (R) 106th District 104th District 105th District Phone: (217) 558-1039 Phone: (217) 782-4811 Phone: (217) 782-1118 Contact Page: bit.ly/1CqkaUo Twitter: N/A Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThomasMBennett Twitter: @Dan_Brady Facebook: on.fb.me/1IzmaB7
Key Committees: ED Approps
Rep. Charles E. Meier (R) Rep. Dwight Kay (R) Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr. (D) 108th District 112th District 114th District
Phone: (217) 782-6401 Phone: (217) 782-8018 Phone: (217) 782-5951 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A Twitter: N/A Twitter: @RepDwightKay Facebook: on.fb.me/1IGOLRn Facebook: on.fb.me/1GIiRoX Key Committees: ED Approps
Key Committees: HS Approps Key Committees: HS Approps
Rep. Brandon Phelps (D) 118th District
Phone: (217) 782-5131 Email: [email protected] Twitter: N/A