Written by Jacobs Staff Tuesday, 25 August 2009 15:00
"This bill protects licensed blind vendors from unfair or unreasonable commissions, service charges, rent or utility charges," said Jacobs, "allowing blind vendors and the state to work hand in hand." The program will create a Committee of Blind Vendors to participate in the development and implementation of all policies, plans, program development, and major administrative and management decisions affecting the Program. The Department of Human Services will also manage the Blind Vendors Trust Fund. "I would like to thank the governor for adding his signature," Jacobs said. "This is a bill I am proud of as my grandfather, Representative Oral "Jake" Jacobs, was the original sponsor and it personally means a great deal to me." "This is a bill that is long overdue," said John Gordon, Chairman of the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors. "This bill started five years ago when I walked from Chicago to Springfield for recognition and Sen. Jacobs has provided that. It has been a long uphill struggle but I am confident this bill will help blind people live more productive lives."
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Sen. Michael Jacobs’ (D - Moline) legislation giving blind vendors more job opportunities was signed into law this morning.
Senate Bill 2045 gives priority to blind vendors when operating facilities on state property by creating the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. The Department of Human Services will maintain and promote the program, ensuring the blind workers have the same rights and services provided to them as any vendor working on state or federal grounds. This program will pertain to all types of vending facilities, including snack carts, rest areas, service counters, vending machines, newspaper/periodical stands, or even lottery dispensers. This bill also puts Illinois in compliance with the Randolph-Sheppard act, issuing federal rights to blind vendors.
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Senator Jacobs Menu
36th District
Years served: 2005 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Insurance; Appropriations I; Revenue; Telecommunications & Technology (Vice-Chairperson); Energy (Chairperson); Revenue Subcomm. on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Insurance Mandates.
Biography: Appointed to Senate on February 9, 2005; born June 25, 1960, in Moline, Illinois; B.S. in political studies from University of Illinois at Springfield; M.S., political science, University of West Florida; former Downstate Liaison to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; fourth generation family member to serve in the Illinois General Assembly; married (wife, Beth Wendt), has one son, Elliott.
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