SB2535 (helmets for under 18) and SB2536 (helmets for everyone) are scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, February 23^rd in Room 212 of the Capitol at 1 PM.  This is the same time and place that Senator Ira Silverstein’s bicycle helmet bill (SB2627) is scheduled to be heard.  We will know on Monday about all these bills.  Meanwhile, please schedule Tuesday afternoon in Springfield if you can.  Remember, the next morning (Feb. 24^th) at 8 AM, Rep. Mary Flowers’s anti-ATV / dirt bike bill (HB5029) is scheduled to be heard.  Plan on staying over and attending the HB5029 hearing in Room 114 in the Capitol – again, if you can.

This is important: Even if you cannot come to the meetings, you can still contact your State senators and representatives.  Don’t put it off – do it Monday and Tuesday morning.

Senate Public Health Committee

                                                                                    District Office                 Spfld Office

William Delgado (D-2^nd)(Chairman)                              (773) 292-0202               (217) 782-5652

Mattie Hunter (D-3^rd)(Vice-Chairperson)                      (312) 949-1908               (217) 782-5966

Susan Garrett (D-29^th)                                                  (847) 433-2002               (217) 782-3650

Michael Noland (D-22^nd)                                              (847) 214-8864               (217) 782-7746

Jeffrey M. Schoenberg (D-9^th)                                      (847) 492-1200               (217) 782-2119

Heather Steans (D-7^th)                                                 (773) 769-1717               (217) 782-8492

Dave Syverson (R-34th) (Minority Spokesperson)           (815) 987-7555               (217) 782-5413

Dan Cronin (R-21^st)                                                     (630) 792-0040               (217) 782-8107

Chris Lauzen (R-25^th)                                                   (630) 264-2334               (217) 782-0052

Carole Pankau (R-23^rd)                                                (630) 582-0390               (217) 782-9463

SB2627 talking points:

• Government should not take the place of parents.
• Bicycle helmets do not protect against the sun or rain.
• Once this law is in place, it will be simple to ratchet up the penalties.
• The bill is demeaning to short adults.
•  Government would impose a significant expense on young riders.