April 4, 2007

7th Annual Manufactured Home Owner's Day - April 19th

On Thursday April 19th homeowners throughout the state of Illinois will once again join together at our state capitol in Springfield. It will be on this day homeowners can meet with their legislators and help influence the decision-making process that affects our back doors and communities. Homeowner attendance on this day will show legislators that we are organized, numerous and involved. Legislators will be able to see our faces and hear our issues regarding the need for laws that will bring a fair balance between the homeowner and the landlord.

Illinois needs new laws to keep up with the changes in housing market over the years that older laws no longer address. Each year our attendance on MHO Day grows and we need to keep up this pace.

MHOAI representatives will be at the capitol near the information station in the rotunda. We will have name tags along with material that you can present and leave with our legislators and/or staff. We will answer any questions you have and help those who are attending for the first time. Remember to wear comfortable shoes.

You will have to go through security like that at an airport, so if possible, do not wear metal on your clothing. If you have questions please contact a MHOAI board director.

In Illinois, we are represented by 59 state senators and 118 state representatives. With the last election, new members of the Illinois General Assemby include 9 Senators and 14 Representatives.

Once at the capitol you need to break into small groups and visit as many offices of our legislators as possible. Each small group should appoint someone to speak for the group when you meet with legislators. As your group's representative you need to know ahead of time what you want to say. Keep your conversation with legislators as brief as possible.

While MHOAI has volunteers in Springfield during the other days of session, this is your day to remind elected officials that MHOAI is there on your behalf during the rest of the year.

This is our day to explain to elected officials the unique situations that arise when you own your home but not the land your home sit on. Many still believe you can just up and move your home if you don't like the landlord's conditions. We must constantly work to remind elected officials that this is a myth. Our presence on this day will show elected officials we are educated voters and are watching how they vote at the state capitol once we vote them into their position.

From the galleries on the fourth floor you can watch legislators as they vote on bills. It is at this time that our group will be recognized on the house and senate floors. For those who prefer to eat or rest for awhile instead of sitting in the galleries, there are two cafeterias readily accessible. The capitol is fully handicapped accessible.

We hear from many who have attended past MHO Days that they were extremely pleased with the opportunity to be able to meet with homeowners from other communities throughout the state. This day also educates homeowners by showing that many communities have the same issues and that you are not alone with the work that comes with correcting common issues in our communities.

If you are driving, you will find that many parking meters are only for 2 hours. If you get to the tourist center parking lot and do not find a space, go to the side street next to the parking lot, (located within residential housing). There are 8 hour meters on Capitol street.

Many communities have already set in motion the process of filling buses for our special day. If you live in the Monee area, there is one $10 seat left on their bus. You can contact Jim Popps at 708-534-8988. If you live in the Elgin area contact Ray Russell at 630-745-7755 or Ken Cardwell at 847-888-3375 where seats are also available at $10.00 per person. If you live in the Countryside, LaGrange or Bridgeview areas, contact Elaine Tyler at 708-352-0510.

MHOAI would like to thank the many volunteers throughout the state who have donated their time in arranging buses and getting the word out, and thanks to everyone who is taking time out to travel to our state capitol.

Terry Nelson
MHOAI Directors