The Steans event
Dear friend:
After winning the Democratic Primary election for State Senate in Illinois' 7th State Senate District, I was sworn in as State Senator. I am replacing retired State Sen. Carol Ronen, who recently resigned her position.
It is challenging to fill the shoes of someone who has such a long record of accomplishments. I will meet this challenge by thoroughly reviewing legislation, learning and working with my colleagues in the State Senate, and constantly seeking input from my constituents on the issues that are vital to our health and prosperity. I look forward to working on behalf of our diverse community and contributing a new voice to discussions on the policy reforms needed in our state.
Since taking office, I have been in Springfield for legislative session and was appointed to serve on three committees: Human Services, Insurance and Local Government. My quick appointment has also allowed me to immediately begin working on the priorities I discussed during the primary campaign, including comprehensive state educational funding reform; stronger environmental policies for Illinois; ending pay-to-play politics in our state; and addressing our dire state fiscal health.
My success as your state senator will be determined by the quality of our dialogue on issues that impact our community and State. To ensure I obtain feedback on vital issues, I am developing a number of communication avenues. I will be forming a Policy Advisory group, establish office hours at various locations throughout the District, attend as many block club and other community group meetings as possible, and regularly comminicate via email and newsletters.
I welcome any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have. You may call me at the District office (773-769-1717) or my Springfield office (217-782-8492) or e-mail me at hsteans@senatedem.ilga.gov .
Thank you for reading my first communication as your state senator. It is a profoundly humbling and exciting task to attempt to reflect the wonderful diversity this District has as your voice in the Illinois State Senate. I look forward to working together to create better state accountability for meeting the needs of all of our residents.
Sincerely,
Heather Steans State Senator7th District
Pot and heavy
Dear Editor:
I'm responding the the outstanding letter from Jerry Pritikin: 'Pot Peeve' (4-2-08).
I'd like to add that one of the medications prescribed by my personal physician, for my arthritis pain and inflammation, has the rare potential side effect of death. In other words, if I take this medication as prescribed, I can die as a result.
On the other hand, marijuana has never been documented to kill a single person in the 5,000 year history of its use.
For me, marijuana is the more effective medication. Right now, if adult citizens opt for the safer and more effective medication, they are subject to arrest and being sent to jail with violent criminals.
Is something wrong with this situation? I think so.
Kirk Muse
Mesa, AZ