[Peace] [Peace-discuss] Defending Rights & Dissent: slip now to stop Illinois anti-protest bill

Tue May 21 16:19:31 UTC 2019

Here's a link to slip for SB 9.

https://ecojusticecollaborative.org/support-sb9-illinois-house/

*Illinois Has A Major Coal Ash Problem*
*Slip to Support SB9, Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act*

*SLIP HERE*
<http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/113581?committeeHearingId=17211&LegislationId=113581&LegislationDocumentId=145299>*
before
2pm, Thursday, May 16*
SB9 Factsheet
<https://ecojusticecollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Updated-SB9-Factsheet.pdf>

Does it seem like we just asked you to do this?  Yes.  In fact, we did!
And, with your support, under the leadership of Senator Scott Bennett
<http://www.senatorbennett.com/>, SB9 The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act
passed
<https://ecojusticecollaborative.org/major-coal-ash-bill-passes-il-senate/> the
Senate Energy & Environment Committee and then the floor of the Senate. The
Senate Committee Hearing began by acknowledging the number of proponents
and opponents for the bill, setting the stage for testimony and discussion.

[image: State Representative Carol Ammons] <https://www.carolammons.com/>

State Representative  <https://www.carolammons.com/>Carol Ammons
<https://www.carolammons.com/>, 103rd District, Illinois

State Representative Carol Ammons <https://www.carolammons.com/> is taking
the SB9 through the Illinois House.  It will be heard by the House Energy &
Environment Committee on Thursday, May 16, at 2pm.

*We Need Your Help to Pass this Bill!*
Take two minutes to fill out a witness slip
<http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/113581?committeeHearingId=17211&LegislationId=113581&LegislationDocumentId=145299>
in
support of SB9, The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act (see directions,
below). This bill provides direction for a rule-making process that
will ensure safe closure of Illinois' coal ash impoundments; a meaningful
public involvement process; and financial guarantees that require the
polluter to pay for closure and cleanup.

Industry and supporters have indicated that this bill will cost them a lot
of money.  And while that is true, it really is a USEPA rule that is
requiring closure of unlined, leaking coal ash impoundments in Illinois.
Over 50 impoundments will need to close in Illinois because of this rule.
SB 9 simply gives the tools the Illinois EPA needs to run a
state-administered coal ash program, while providing protections for
Illinois communities impacted by this deadly waste.
SLIP HERE
<http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/113581?committeeHearingId=17211&LegislationId=113581&LegislationDocumentId=145299>
as
a *PROPONENT* of this bill. Anyone can submit a slip to show their support.

   - Section I: *Enter your name, address, phone, zip, etc.*  Enter "Self"
   unless you represent an organization in a official capacity.
   - Section II:  *Enter "Self"* unless you represent an organization in a
   official capacity.
   - Section III:  *Click the button for “Proponent”*.  The description
   will say "Original Bill" as the only option.
   - Section IV:  *Click “Record of Appearance Only”*.

At the bottom:  Click that you *agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement.*

*Click “Create (Slip)”.*  You will be sent a confirmation notice by email.
[...]

===

Robert Reuel Naiman
Policy Director
Just Foreign Policy
www.justforeignpolicy.org
naiman at justforeignpolicy.org
(202) 448-2898 x1

On Tue, May 21, 2019 at 10:26 AM Debra Schrishuhn via Peace-discuss <
peace-discuss at lists.chambana.net> wrote:

> St Rep Ammons urged attendees at the Democratic Luncheon Sunday to file
> witness slips on both HB 1633 and SB 9.
> Deb
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 21, 2019, at 10:09 AM, David Green via Peace <
> peace at lists.chambana.net> wrote:
>
> I have submitted my witness slip, and contacted both state rep.offices.
>
> I doubt that Carol Ammons will step up and make a fuss about this bill.
> She has little or no history of challenging Madigan. I will be happy to be
> proved wrong.
>
> Scott Bennett is a prosecutor who like to opportunistically grandstand
> about sexual predators and to attend police-supportive functions. His
> appointment as state senator was a matter of cronyism. I also doubt that he
> will oppose this bill; I will be happy to be proved wrong.
>
> DG
>
> On Tue, May 21, 2019 at 8:23 AM Robert Naiman via Peace <
> peace at lists.chambana.net> wrote:
>
>>
>> The fact that this bill is a going proposition in the
>> Democratic-controlled Illinois legislature is pretty disturbing. Is this
>> why we have a Democratic-controlled Illinois government? So they can vote
>> to take away our right to protest the fossil fuel industry that's
>> destroying our planet?
>>
>> Please slip against the bill, and ask Rep. Ammons to lead the fight to
>> block this assault on our right to protest.
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>> From: Sue at Defending Rights & Dissent <info at rightsanddissent.org>
>> Date: Mon, May 20, 2019 at 5:03 PM
>> Subject: The vote is tomorrow: take action to stop Illinois anti-protest
>> bill
>> To: Robert Naiman <naiman at justforeignpolicy.org>
>>
>> Robert,
>>
>> I guess you might be tired of hearing from me about this terrible bill
>> winding its way through the Illinois legislature... but here we go again.
>>
>> HB1633
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/Tbafc3727-fefb-4e51-9adf-0b9e6bdea52b/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>> would create draconian new penalties for protests at pipelines, refineries,
>> and other sites deemed "critical infrastructure." The bill also includes a
>> "guilty by association" provision that would impose catastrophic fines on
>> organizations that support these grassroots protests. *Please see below
>> for more details about the bill.*
>>
>> *Can you take two minutes to file 2 witness slips against the bill?*
>> It's not as easy as signing a petition, especially because I need to ask
>> you to file two witness slips, one for the subcommittee, one for the
>> committee. But this is the best way to convey your opposition.
>>
>> *Click here to file a witness slip to OPPOSE the bill in  Subcommittee.*
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T6a31c7fb-568b-4365-9e7f-fd471b8bab06/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> Then come back to this email and...
>>
>> *Click here to file a witness slip to OPPOSE the bill in Committee*
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T43f80b4c-ab9a-4d0f-9c8f-22d23fed3185/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> I agree the forms ask for too much information and are not very clear...
>> but it is easier than driving to Springfield for most. *The key is to
>> remember to check yourself as an Opponent to the bill, *and check
>> "record of appearance only"
>>
>> HB1633 is backed by ALEC, the extractive industry and other corporate
>> interests, and has bi-partisan support. It is scheduled for a hearing in
>> the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday, May 21 at 5 p.m.
>>
>> Let's show that people power can overcome corporate greed, and we won't
>> give up our right to dissent without a fight.
>> Please take action against this anti-protest bill now:
>>
>> *Click here
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/Tf2a6fb76-65b0-43f5-8867-ea98212a5e74/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>...
>> and then return to this email and click here
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/Taacf8218-43e5-4ead-9734-82b4dce2512d/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>..... to
>> submit OPPOSITION witness slips to HB1633 for the subcommittee and
>> committee*. The process takes a minute and is important, it allows you
>> to "testify" against a bill without being present in Springfield. The links
>> above will take you to the Illinois general assembly website where you'll
>> be able to fill out the witness slips against HB1633. Fill out all your
>> info, mark yourself as an OPPONENT to the bill, and check "record of
>> appearance only"
>>
>> *The hearing for the bill is TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 21 so please fill out
>> your witness slips today!*
>>
>> Stay Loud, Stay Strong,
>>
>> Sue
>> More about HB1633:
>>
>> Fifty Illinois and national organizations signed the following letter (also
>> available here
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T0ce9aaca-8499-4dc0-bec0-1555ac0c0aa9/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>).
>>
>>
>> To Members of the Illinois Senate:
>>
>> The undersigned racial justice, criminal justice reform, and other civil
>> society groups and individuals urge you to oppose Illinois House Bill 1633.
>> The bill undermines the promising reform efforts in Illinois and nationally
>> designed to remedy the harm caused by mass incarceration, and it threatens
>> to silence already marginalized voices. HB 1633 is an unnecessary proposal
>> that creates new draconian penalties for conduct already covered by
>> existing criminal statutes and could have dire unintended consequences,
>> including for youth. HB 1633 is part of a national trend of so-called
>> “critical infrastructure” legislation promoted by the American Legislative
>> Exchange Council (ALEC) that is intended to neutralize climate justice
>> activism. We urge you to oppose HB 1633.
>>
>> Critical infrastructure bills disproportionately affect some of the most
>> underrepresented communities, criminalizing their right to protest. These
>> bills target many already marginalized voices, in reaction to some of the
>> most high-profile protests in recent history. Native Americans—women, in
>> particular—are playing an important role as “water protectors” in protests
>> against pipelines; low-income communities of color are most affected by
>> unchecked environmental pollution; family farms have the most to lose by
>> unfair land-grabs for large infrastructure projects. These communities have
>> a right to peacefully resist environmentally unsafe and unjust policies,
>> and unchecked corporate abuse.
>>
>> HB 1633 is purportedly designed to protect critical infrastructure, but
>> the definition of “critical infrastructure” is overly broad and would cover
>> large swaths of the state in urban, suburban, and rural areas, creating the
>> unintended consequence of ensnaring many in Illinois’ already overburdened
>> criminal justice system. For example, someone trespassing in rail yards or
>> on el-tracks without intent to damage or destroy could be charged with a
>> class 4 felony punishable by a fine of $1,000, one to three years
>> imprisonment, or both. Currently, criminal trespass to property is
>> punishable as a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, depending upon the nature
>> of the offense (720 ILCS 5/21-3).
>>
>> Additionally, the bill does not distinguish between criminal damages of
>> one dollar or a million dollars. Each would be eligible for the same
>> penalty of ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine. At a time when many
>> people, including lawmakers, have recognized the deleterious effects that
>> mass incarceration has had on society and have attempted to rectify laws
>> that have criminalized certain conduct or imposed unreasonable penalties,
>> HB 1633, is a giant step backwards. By creating a whole new class of
>> nonviolent offenders who could serve serious prison time, it is
>> antithetical to criminal justice reform.
>>
>> Environmental advocacy, including civil disobedience, does not threaten
>> physical infrastructure or safety, it threatens corporations that put
>> profits and pollution ahead of justice and the environment. Critical
>> infrastructure bills are based on model legislation crafted by corporate
>> interests to establish special protections for some private industries
>> engaged in controversial practices that attract opposition and protest.
>> These bills, including HB 1633, are rooted in animus against environmental
>> justice advocacy because it threatens the profits of these corporations.
>> Whenever states enact legislation based on animus towards particular
>> political speech it has a chilling effect that will be felt widely.
>>
>> We urge you to oppose HB 1633. From a criminal justice reform
>> perspective, this bill is damaging, as it creates new steep penalties for
>> conduct that is already covered under existing criminal law. These new
>> steep penalties and special protections for so-called critical
>> infrastructure are rooted in animus towards anti-pipeline protesters. It is
>> inappropriate for states to seek to legislation in order to penalize
>> individuals for their First Amendment-protected points of view.
>>
>> Please direct questions to Sue Udry, Defending Rights & Dissent, at
>> 202.552.7408 or sue at rightsanddissent.org.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> 350 Chicago
>>
>> 350 Kishwaukee (IL)
>>
>> American Friends Service Committee - Chicago
>>
>> Area Consortium of Educational Service For Our Youth  (DBA:A.C.E.S. 4
>> Youth)
>>
>> Chicago Area Peace Action
>>
>> Chicago Food Policy Action Council
>>
>> Chicago SE Side Coalition to Ban Petcoke (SSCBP)
>>
>> Clean Power Lake County
>>
>> Climate Defense Project
>>
>> Color Of Change
>>
>> Crossroads Fund
>>
>> Defending Rights & Dissent
>>
>> Earth Defense Coalition
>>
>> Eco-Justice Collaborative
>>
>> Extinction Rebellion Chicago
>>
>> Faith In Place Action Fund
>>
>> Food & Water Watch
>>
>> Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice
>>
>> Frack Free Illinois
>>
>> Friends of Bell Smith Springs
>>
>> Grassroots Collaborative
>>
>> Greater Highland Area Concerned Citizens
>>
>> Greenpeace USA
>>
>> Indivisible Chicago
>>
>> Indivisible South Suburban Chicago
>>
>> Illinois Green Party
>>
>> Illinois People's Action
>>
>> Lifted Voices
>>
>> Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
>>
>> Moms Demand Action
>>
>> National Lawyers Guild
>>
>> National Lawyers Guild – Chicago Chapter
>>
>> National Lawyers Guild - St. Louis Chapter
>>
>> Native Organizers Alliance
>>
>> Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice
>>
>> Nuclear Energy Information Service -NEIS-
>>
>> Occupy Rockford
>>
>> Palestine Legal
>>
>> Reform for Illinois
>>
>> Save Our Illinois Land
>>
>> Shawnee Forest Defense!
>>
>> Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter
>>
>> Southern Illinois DSA
>>
>> Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment
>>
>> The People's Lobby
>>
>> Vinyard Indian Settlement
>>
>> Water Protector Legal Collective
>>
>> Will County Progressives
>>
>> WindSolarUSA, Inc.
>>
>> X-Lab
>>
>> *Read more about "Critical Infrastructure" bills in our toolkit for
>> activists here
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/Tbd6072d7-b107-4930-97e0-78e8044732e2/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>.*
>>
>>
>> To take action against this anti-protest bill:
>>
>> Today I am asking you to submit 2 witness slips:
>>
>> *Click here to file a witness slip to OPPOSE the bill in  Subcommittee.*
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T6aecc2f8-1180-4eb5-8386-aac64cf0a00e/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> *Click here to file a witness slip to OPPOSE the bill in Committee*
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/Tf3458f02-ca8b-42a7-9995-864e8739375c/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> The process takes just a minute and is important, it allows you to
>> "testify" against a bill without being present in Springfield. The links
>> above will take you to the Illinois general assembly website where you'll
>> be able to fill out  witness slips in OPPOSITION to HB1633.
>>
>> The form is not the easiest to understand, but you can do it! Fill out
>> your info and mark yourself as an OPPONENT to the bill and "record of
>> appearance only".
>>
>>
>>
>> *The  vote will be Tuesday, May 21 at 5 pm  So Please Take Action Now!*
>>
>>
>>
>> Photo Credits:
>>
>> People over pipelines by Fibonacci Blue
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T9d63a693-3646-41d8-8b95-c7273e3eab91/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>>
>> Eat Pray Protest by David Geitgey Sierralupe
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T35b7d08d-fe59-4c6c-b38c-1f06918fe2ab/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> Repeal the Patriot Act by DRAD staff
>> Donate
>> <https://default.salsalabs.org/T647670b5-f7e6-4657-8224-747db112e4c5/a73233ab-83f8-4f98-ba57-2cebd3646427>
>>
>> *Get in Touch:* hello at rightsanddissent.org | 202.552.7408
>>
>> Donations to DRAD are tax-deductible. Our EIN is 27-0042821
>>
>> We will never, ever share your info with anyone. NEVER.
>> <https://www.facebook.com/bordc/>
>> <https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=RightsDissent>
>>
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>> Peace at lists.chambana.net
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>>
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