Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) was honored with a Hero Award from the Illinois Victims Organization during a reception May 13th in Springfield.

“Through the years, I have sponsored legislation defending victim’s rights and am honored to receive this recognition,” said McAuliffe, who sponsored legislation last year allowing global positioning satellite tracking to be used on domestic abuse offenders who violate orders of protection.

Criteria for the award included sponsoring legislation and casting votes protecting victims in their interactions with the criminal justice system, and their support to law enforcement, states attorneys and violence prevention. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … As a way to promote self-employment for the legally blind, State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) sponsored legislation which recently passed the House Disability Services Committee.

“The state already gives priority hiring to veterans, women, minorities and others who have historically overcome obstacles. It only makes sense the legally blind given the same employment opportunities,” said McAuliffe.

Senate Bill 2045 creates the Blind Vendors Act offering a business enterprise program for the blind. Priorities are to be given to blind vendors over operation of vending facilities on state property. It also requires Department of Human Services to deposit net proceeds by vending operations into the Blind Vendor Trust fund to support training, equipping and modernizing vending facilities and establishing new vending facilities.

Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors John Gordon, of Chicago and the 20^th District, has worked with Rep. McAuliffe on the legislation for four years. Continue reading »