Imagine a weather perfect day and ten years of organization experience that brought hundreds of manufactured homeowner�s to the state capitol with a common goal. Homeowners who ascended the capitol steps on March 22nd were heard loud and clear, and our numbers spoke volumes. This day provided our concerns and issues to be heard and those that left a bit tired knew their time was well spent. This reporter can share how proud I was to wear a name tag that identified me as a manufactured homeowner and a MHOAI member. I was proud to be part of an excellent group of people who brought with them shared experiences and the will to bring change that would add security to the lives of over 300,000 manufactured home owners that reside in Illinois.
The picture to the left was taken in Representative Lisa Dugan's office.Along with Lisa and Terry there are residents from Maplebrook, Golf Vista and Sandwich, IL.
Manufactured Homeowners Day started early with SB 3552 passing out of the House Revenue Committee with no nays. Homeowners broke up into smaller groups and were able to personally meet with many of our state representatives and leave position papers and other material with elected officials that were not available . All 118 state representatives and 59 senators offices were visited on this important day.
Many events such as weddings, family reunions and Manufactured Homeowners Day are planned many moths in advance and those doing the planning must be prepared for any difficulties that may turn up. Good planning and a bit of luck played well on March 22nd. To start, the house and the senate were on the floor at different times. This gave us the opportunity to meet with more elected officials than if they were on the floor at the same time.
Highlights of the day included: (1) Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-40) recognizing our group on the Senate floor. (2) SB 3552 passing out of the House Revenue Committee on this day and off the house floor in record time (3) Reminding elected officials this was our 10th year of traveling to the capitol and we will continue to remind them for another 10 years that we are watching their decision making (4) Many face to face meetings with elected officials took place. This day reminded elected officials that MHOAI directors are not alone in their quest to provide fair and balanced laws. (5) Elected officials arranged for photos to be taken with groups of homeowners (6) Homeowners knew when the day ended, they really did make a difference. (7) Another organization that was there had good county gospel singers that entertained those that needed to sit and rest during the day.
What needs to be shared is what happens at the end of the day when everyone travels back home and MHOAI directors stay. MHOAI directors hear from many legislators and their staff regarding how well organized and nice our group is. This is also a day that homeowners leave thank you cards for those that have gone the extra mile with their time and help towards bringing the needed changes in our housing market. MHOAI directors hear from those that received the cards and want to share that the cards are appreciated. Importantly, elected officials contact MHOAI to ask questions and inquire about issues that were brought up when they met with homeowners on this day.
Manufactured Homeowners Day, and still going strong. It is because of a group effort on the behalf of many that we can report this in our publication. MHOAI can not stress enough the importance and the true appreciation that goes to the many that allow the success of MHOAI events such as this one to continue over the many years. For the last 10 years busses from the Monee area of the state have faithfully and very prepared, traveled to the state capitol. This year was no exception. Patricia Fogerty is a person that many know or know of. Pat has organized busses (along with volunteering her time towards countless other MHOAI activates) all ten years from her area of the state. Homeowner�s arrive at the state capitol with a list of elected officials to see, thank you cards for those that help, and a very efficient woman with a smile on her face. Pat, words are not enough to express how truly appreciated your time and work has benefited so many.
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Take Care,
Terry Nelson