Two years after legalizing “recreational” marijuana, some foolish lawmakers are sprinting ahead with legislation to allow for Illinoisans 21 and older to grow up to 5 marijuana plants in their home. The bill number is HB 4799 and is sponsored by Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), Kambium Buckner (D-Chicago) and Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago).

There is ample evidence to demonstrate that home grows are a recipe for disaster. The state of Colorado, which legalized pot in 2012, is a prime example of bad marijuana policy. We often use Colorado as our reference point because they have the best data in the nation when it comes to drugs, thanks to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Colorado allows marijuana to be grown in homes. As a result, foreign drug cartels have cashed in and the black-market is thriving. And with that, comes more crime.

In many cases, high-end homes in the suburbs are purchased for cash. They are gutted and millions of dollars worth of marijuana plants are grown. It’s untaxed and unregulated. Because the black-market is thriving in Colorado, it’s also easier and cheaper for students to obtain the drug. (Click here to access their latest report.)

Home grows have become the new “gray market” in Colorado because it’s virtually impossible to regulate what people do in their homes.

Marijuana-related calls to the Illinois Poison Control Center have increased since legalization. Do we want more accidental poisonings?

• • 2019 – 487 calls
  • 2020 – 743 calls
  • 2021 – 855 calls

HB 4799 is scheduled for a hearing in the Executive Committee on Wednesday, February 16th.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to file a witness slip in opposition to HB 4799.

-Fill out your name, address, email and phone number. Leave everything else blank or put self.
-Highlight “Opponent” and “Record of Appearance Only.”
-Check Terms of Agreement and click Create Slip.

MORE ACTION:  Click HERE to email your state representative to urge him/her to oppose HB 4799.

The true impact of “recreational” marijuana on our communities is just starting to be learned, so why are we rushing ahead to expand this experiment? The negative consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana will be felt for generations.

Thank you!
Your willingness to fill out witness slips are making a huge difference!

State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) has been diligently working to expand the state’s compulsory school attendance laws. In February 2019, she introduced a bill to lower the mandatory age for school attendance in Illinois from 6 to 5 years of age.  This proposal passed the Illinois Senate on April 11, 2019 by a vote of 39 to 16.

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, Illinois House members are headed to Springfield for a Lame Duck session. State Senator Lightford’s bill, SB 2075, is scheduled to be heard in the Higher Education Committee in Springfield on Saturday, January 9th at 10:00 AM. Illinois House sponsors include State Representatives Kambium Buckner (D-Chicago), Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago) and La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago).

There is no reason for the government to usurp the God-given authority of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. Parents are best suited to decide when their children are socially, emotionally, and cognitively ready for formal education.

State lawmakers are not going to fix what’s wrong with education by forcing kids to start school a year earlier. In fact, there is evidence that education isn’t about more seat-time for kids.

Moreover, we all need to realize that there isn’t much education going on in many of our government schools.

The decision to begin formal education–which increasingly serves the political and moral ends of liberals and their allies in the Teacher’s Union–rests with parents, not State Senator Lightford or any other politician.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to send an email or a fax to your state representative to ask him/her to vote against SB 2075 and the expanding role of government in the lives of Illinois families. You can also call your state senator through the Springfield switchboard at (217) 782-2000.

MORE ACTION:  File a Witness Slip:  Click HERE

Register on the left column.

Once you have verified your registration, you can file a witness slip on any bill.

Return to the Higher Education Committee Hearing Details.

Scroll down to find SB 2075 and click on the paper and pencil icon at the far right to “Create Witness Slip.”

Make sure you click OPPONENT for this over-reaching bill.

You may type “None” for Firm/Business/Agency and Title and “Self” for Representation.

Under Testimony, click “Record of Appearance Only.”

If required, check the Terms of Agreement.

Click Create Slip.

Subscribe to the IFI YouTube channel
and never miss a video report or special program!