You can open your eyes. Take a deep breath and relax.
The gun control crowd failed — again — to ram through any of their measures during the Spring Session of the Illinois General Assembly.
What Actually Happened?
Last night in Springfield, Josh Witkowski, lobbyist for the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources (of which Guns Save Life is a proud organizational member), gave our monthly meeting the inside scoop on how this session played out.
According to Josh, a tremendous amount of effective behind-the-scenes work helped dilute support for these bills before they could advance.
The Gun Violence Prevention Committee: Their Own Worst Enemy?
The so-called “Gun Violence Prevention Committee” was designed to be a stage for attacking law-abiding gun owners and fast-tracking gun control. Like the old saying goes, no plan survives first contact.
Time after time, Josh and ISRA lobbyist Eddie Sullivan showed up to their circus hearings. These two men (and sometimes others) calmly presented the pro-2A side using logic, science, data, and reason. The emotional appeals and fear-mongering from the other side would burn hot… and then fade as their adrenaline ran out. Facts don’t get tired.
Legislators who had only ever heard one side of the argument for years slowly began listening. Seeds were planted. Doubts took root.
Here’s the ironic part: If the gun control radicals actually want to improve their chances of passing bills in the future, they should kill this committee. In a classic case of unintended consequences, it has become one of the best forums we have to reach gun control supporters in the Illinois General Assembly and to chip away at the propaganda.
Other Factors
There were additional developments — some of them smart, quiet, behind-the-scenes moves that are better left undiscussed in public for now.
One correction from last night’s meeting: The mental health bill Josh mentioned at SCHEELS did not get called for a concurrence vote. It did not pass. For now.
To watch: THREE bites at the lame duck apple
The legislative schedule has the veto session scheduled for AFTER the November elections. There’s one in late November, one in December and the perennial third-ish week of January. During these sessions, there will be no opportunity to hold legislators accountable for their votes.
Final Thoughts
Another session. Another round of failed gun control attempts in Illinois.
This is what persistent, informed advocacy looks like. It’s what happens when good people stay engaged, support their organizations, and make sure our side of the story gets heard.
Stay vigilant, Illinois gun owners. The fight never really ends — but last night, freedom won another round.