Action Alert: Help Victims of Sex Trafficking Seek Justice

Did you wake up this morning and think “I want to help someone today?” Well, then March 15 is where it’s at: Our End Demand Illinois campaign has new legislation in committee and we’d love your help convincing legislators that this is a bill to support. Here’s the breakdown:

What is Happening?
Many people who have been convicted of prostitution were actually victims of trafficking. The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee is considering SB 2191, which would allow someone to ask a judge to vacate their prostitution conviction if they were a victim of sex trafficking at the time of the offense. The bill extends the filing timeline for these victims because they often endure years of abuse at the hands of traffickers and customers before they are able to seek help. Want to learn more? Download the fact sheet here, complete with the list of supporting organizations.

When?
The Committee will have a hearing about SB 2191 tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:35 a.m.

How Can You Help?
Call the committee members' offices TODAY, Tuesday, March 15, 2011. You can leave a message with staff answering the phones, and say "I am calling to ask the Senator to vote yes on SB 2191 when it comes up for a vote in the Criminal Law Committee." Calling all the offices will only take a few minutes of your time and will make a real impact as they consider this legislation!

Who Should You Call?

Committee Chair Michael Noland*(D)
Senator 22nd District - Elgin
(217) 782-7746
* thank Sen Noland for co-sponsoring!

Committee Vice Chair Kwame Raoul (D)
Senator 13th District - Chicago
(217) 782-5338

William R. Haine (D)
Senator 56th District - Alton
(217) 782-5247

Dan Kotowski (D)
Senator 33rd District - Park Ridge
(217) 782-3875

John Mulroe (D)
Senator 10th District - Chicago
(217) 782-1035

John J. Millner (R)
Senator 28th District - West Chicago
(217) 782-8192
* thank Sen Millner for co-sponsoring!

Tim Bivins (R)
Senator 45th District - Dixon
(217) 782-0180

Kirk W. Dillard (R)
Senator 24th District - Westmont
(217) 782-8148

Thomas Johnson (R)
Senator 48th District - Wheaton
(217) 782-8022

Let us know if you have questions!