03/21/2024
🚨 URGENT COMMUNITY ACTION NEEDED 🚨
Dear valued customers and community,
We face an unprecedented challenge that threatens the very heart of our industry and the choices that you, as consumers, have fought hard to make. A bill has been introduced in the Illinois Statehouse that, if passed, will drastically limit access to safer to***co alternatives. This is not just a setback; it's an industry-killing move propelled by the big to***co lobby, aiming to remove these critical products from all retail stores. This bill impacts every single one of our v**e customers and without your immediate action, the products that have supported many of you in your journey to become to***co-free could disappear forever.
Yesterday, Our group SFAC of Illinois met with the bill's sponsor, Bob Rita of the 28th district, and faced the proponents of this bill head-on. Despite our efforts, the odds are stacked against us. The bill is expected to be called in committee next week, and its passage seems likely without a significant pushback from our community.
Here's how you can help:
1. **EMAIL HOUSE REPS USING VTA’S FORM LETTER:** A QR code and link [here](https://vaportechnology.org/action-center/?fbclid=IwAR1sW3pKE20HiSjkCWHNf6hRNjx5BqVCSsDpFHZU-8JbFpnI2cOFmit3ocY #/22) directs to a form letter to email your House Representative directly. Personalize this email using the talking points provided and make your voice heard.
2. **FLOOD HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE’S DISTRICT OFFICES WITH PHONE CALLS:** Use [this link](https://elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx) to find your rep. Call their district office with the script provided to express your opposition as either a consumer or industry member.
3. **FILL OUT A NEW WITNESS SLIP OPPOSING HB5069:** Once the new hearing date is posted, we'll distribute a CTA with QR codes and links to file witness slips against this bill.
We are also urging you to engage directly with your representatives using the VTA one-pager and economic impact statement, highlighting the personal and economic consequences this bill will have. Share your stories, emphasize the positive impact on your lives, and let them know the real-world implications of this legislation.
This is a pivotal moment for all of us. Your participation is crucial. By uniting our voices, we can fight back against this bill and protect our right to access safer alternatives. Please share this message, talk to your friends and family, and let’s stand together against this threat.
Together, we are stronger. Let’s make our voices heard loud and clear. 📣
