Ten years and still going strong.

It is time to mark your calendars for Thursday, April 22nd. It is time to return to our state capitol in Springfield allowing our issues to be heard and addressed. It is time to remind our 59 senators and 118 state representatives that we will not be the forgotten neighborhoods. With the unity of homeowners state-wide it will be our day to demand that new laws be passed that will put the fair back into fair housing practices that are needed to protect homeowners in our housing market. It is our day to educated and remind our elected officials that we are organized and will be recognized.

Why?

• To let elected officials see our faces and hear from you, the very people their decision making affects.
• To let elected officials know we are organized, involved and watch how their votes in Springfield reflect the needs of homeowners in their districts and state-wide.
• To remind elected officials that how they vote on the floor at the capitol reflects how we vote at home.
• Our numbers will speak volumes towards achieving homeowner�s shared goals and our demand to be counted.

In order to have issues and concerns addressed via new state laws and state regulations we need to claim the halls of our capitol on this special day, manufactured homeowner�s day. It was in the year 2000 that homeowners realized in order to get needed changes, we had to stand up as a united front. Over the years our numbers have grown, on this day many go home seeing first hand the positive and important impact that this day brings towards protecting our home, communities, and future. While our slogans over the years may change, our goals and demands remain the same. Goals that include a fair balance between homeowners and owner operators/landlords once we have become a captive audience when our home sits on their land. We choose this day because it will allow us to bring a focus to pending legislation than can still be moved during this session.

What You Need to Know

MHOAI representatives will be at the capitol near the information station on the first floor in the rotunda. We will have name tags along with material that you can present and leave with the legislators and/or staff. We will answer any questions and direct those who are attending for the first time.

We will be at the capitol the whole day starting at 8:30 am. Remember to wear comfortable shoes.

You can come for the full day or a portion of the day, we will be counted.

• You will go through security like that at an airport. Once at the capitol you need to break into small groups and visit as many offices of our legislators as possible. Each small group should appoint someone to introduce the group. You need to know ahead of time what you want to say.
• If this is your first time we will introduce you to other homeowners who have attended in the past that can help you.
• We will provide material for you to pass out if you do not come with a group which already has material. For material to pass out ahead of time, contact Terry Nelson, 847-296-5762.
• From the galleries on the fourth floor you can watch legislators as they vote on bills. It is during this time that our group will be recognized on the House and Senate floors. When our group is recognized we all need to stand up. We need to fill the galleries.
• The buildings are fully handicapped accessible and has two cafeterias.
• Enjoy your day, if you have not been to the capitol building you will find that the state has kept it as a beautiful historic building. The capitol building was completed in 1888 and has undergone major restoration projects over the years.

If you live in the Monee area of the state, Patricia Fogerty is arranging a bus. You can contact Patricia at 708-534-3508 to reserve a seat. Feel free to contact our MHOAI board members with any questions.

MHOAI would like to thank everyone in advance for taking the time to travel to the state capitol on this very important day. We also want to thank the many who are volunteering their time to organize groups in their area allowing for another successful homeowners day.

If you need help with a press release for you local newspaper contact Terry Nelson, 847-296-5762.