A priority for the Illinois Dietetic Association is to assist all its members with their right to vote. Please register to vote and make sure to vote in all elections. Our Federal and State Legislators do check to see that you are a voter when you have requested to see them.
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Illinois General Assembly - the 93th |
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- Functions in a 2 year session called a biennium: 2003-2004
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1. Functions and Powers |
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- A bicameral (two chamber) body composed of a 188 member House of Representatives and a 59 member Senate.
Total = 177 state legislators.
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2. Organization and Composition |
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- Each Legislative district is divided into 2 representative districts with 2 state representatives and 1 state senator per district. The Illinois Constitution outlines the duties and responsibilities of the General Assembly.
- Bills may originate in either the house or the senate and must be passed by a majority of all elected members before it goes to the Governor to be signed (or not) into law.
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3. Legislative Cycle |
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- The General Assembly convenes each year on the second Wednesday in January.
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| B. |
The Federal Government |
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- Illinois is divided into 19 congressional Districts. We are represented in Washington DC by 19 representatives (congressmen) and 2 senators.
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| C. |
Illinois Dietetic Association: Government Affairs Committee |
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1. Legislative Consultant: Thomas Nolan and Associates |
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Patty Riplinger - Springfield |
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2. Government Affairs Director: no one currently |
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3. Government Affairs Committee: consists of IDA members |
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State Policy Representative:
Roberta Cooper-Meyer -- North |
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State Policy Representative:
Karen Little -- South |
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10 IDA District Legislative Chairs |
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Public Policy Coordinators:
Northern Districts: Elizabeth O'Malley, LD, RD
Southern Districts: Golda Ewalt and Amanda Newell |
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Healthcare Finance Chair: Mary Ann Hodorowicz, LD, RD |
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Legislative Communications: Marie Ross, LD, RD |
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| D. |
Government Affairs Program at Work |
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1. Legislative and Public Policy Platform |
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2. Government Affairs Program |
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3. Bill Review Sessions |
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4. Targeted Legislative Priorities |
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Influencing Legislation |
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Introducing Legislation |
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5. Legislative Symposium |
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Lobby Day at State Capital |
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Contact with Legislators |
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6. Legislative Network |
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Call to Action - alerts to contact legislators |
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| E. |
Illinois Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) |
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1. "Dietetic and Nutrition Services Practice Act" |
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Revised Statute effective 2002
(sunset extended until January 1, 2013)
(first effective January 1, 1996) |
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2. Illinois Department of Professional Regulation |
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monitoring status on rules and regulations, continuing education. |
