July 19, 2004

Hello all, ...Getting gifted back into the legislative picture this year is
a real long shot. (Although miracles DO happen.)  I asked [our political
advisor in Springfield] where we go from here so that we have our plan laid
out and our direction set.  I know that the advocacy committee's plan of
having a contact in every district is one aspect of the overall plan.  Am
including [his] response:

"Sally:  I think we should meet after session is over (August?) and develop
a game plan for next year to (a) get the School Code article restored and
(b) get something in a line item in ISBE's budget.    We can start
implementing the plan this fall during the campaigns by raising our issues
in candidate meetings and other forums.   We need to enlist a group of
friendly legislators (we already have some) to cosponsor our legislation...."

I feel that we have come miles, begun to network and made our voices heard.
We have our work laid out for us this next year.

Sally