Legislation

The Show Us Amendment Petition Drive will not approach its goal of gathering the minimum 350,000 signatures of registered voters by the end of April. While "technically" possible, it is unrealistic to believe we can gather an average of 30,000 signatures per week, it would be irresponsible to allow the Show Us Amendment supporters to believe our goal is in range. In view of this, I have encouraged Representatives of SUA support organizations to consider suspending the petition drive at this time. The Illinois Parent Teacher Association has concurred with my recommendation. In November of 2008 a new 18 month period opens in which the petitions can be gathered for ratification in 2010. Suspending the effort would also give everyone an opportunity to be involved in the shape of a new proposal and the planning of a campaign to get it on the ballot in 2010. We have gone without democracy on high-impact issues for two decades. We can afford another two years to get it right.

(Rewritten from an article by Jim Broadway, Chairman, Illinois Democracy Project)