Project Irene supported HB3126 to increase the pass-through to half the amount collected. Retired sisters throughout the state are the face of Irene. Many legislators already know that when Project Irene supports a bill, they will receive hundreds of letters. Project Irene sends out legislators' voting records on bills to alleviate the suffering of the neediest families. The sisters thank when legislation passes, or chastise when legislation fails.
Any specific bill is just one position in a larger public dialogue.
When legislators know where their constituents stand on specific issues, like the gun control portion of the Safe Neighborhood Act, they are better equipped to negotiate their differences and come to compromises that will pass the legislature and be signed by the governor. Those involved in legislative advocacy need to understand the issues so they can support those issues regardless of the name and number of the bills at the moment. Lou Jones is the face of Irene. She is the state representative from the near south side of Chicago. She is a single grandmother raising her deceased daughter's family.