Over 300 people took a day off of work and came down to Springfield with us yesterday to speak with their legislators and celebrate several recent victories. Of these victories, perhaps the most significant was our overwhelming defeat of twelve anti-immigrant bills in the Illinois legislature this session. ICIRR would like to thank everyone that called, faxed, and/or emailed their representatives about these bills that would have meant some very bad policy for our state. During our visit to Springfield members also thanked President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan for their leadership on these issues.

For many of our members, lobby days are significant learning experiences, and exercises in leadership development. Prior to going to Springfield, ICIRR held a lobby day training for new leaders. Said Monika Starczuk of member organization, Albany Park Neighborhood Council, "Some of our leaders were worried that they weren't going to be able to pull it off...They were nervous to speak directly with their legislators, but by the end of the day they were eager for more."