HR0597 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0597 LRB094 13882 CSA 48762 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois Business Enterprise Program for the Blind is a federally-funded program that offers management opportunities in the food service industry to individuals who are legally blind; and

WHEREAS, The program is an entrepreneurial employment opportunity for the legally blind; after completing a six-month training course, certified graduates of the program operate vending facilities throughout the State and average more than $40,000 a year in earnings; and

WHEREAS, The federal Business Enterprise Program for the Blind was created by the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, and the Illinois program began in 1950; and

WHEREAS, There are currently over 110 vending facilities run by blind vendors serving Illinoisans across the State; and

WHEREAS, Many blind vendors rely on vending machines to make a living; and

WHEREAS, In April 2004, Governor Blagojevich released a plan for corporate sponsorship of State-run vending machines, which in essence will raise the costs of soda products for blind vendors by limiting purchasing choices; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Business Enterprise Program blind vendors oppose this policy, and believe that the Governor's plan would violate Illinois and federal law by limiting the placement and operation of vending facilities administered by the legally blind; and

WHEREAS, In April 2004, the Chairman of the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors, John Gordon, walked 225 miles from Chicago to Springfield in protest of such policy and its impact on the blind community; and

WHEREAS, In August 2005, the Governor's office again contacted the blind vendors confirming that the State was moving forward with the policy of allowing corporate sponsorship for State-run vending machines; and

WHEREAS, In response, the blind vendors were purported to stage a protest in front of the James R. Thompson Center on August 24, 2005, but have agreed to negotiate in good faith with the Governor's office on August 25, 2005; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Governor Blagojevich to reverse his policy recommendations and allow the blind vendors to continue current practice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Governor Blagojevich and the Chairman of the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors, John Gordon.