Representative Wait’s National Guard Assistance Bill, Anti-Gang Legislation Sent to Governor

May 10, 2007 

Springfield, IL…State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) announced the passage of his landmark National Guard Home Assistance legislation.  Wait’s bill, HB272, assists National Guardsmen and Reservists with buying homes upon their return to Illinois after fighting in the Global War on Terror.  The legislation sailed through the Illinois House in February and unanimously cleared the State Senate on Wednesday.  The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

“The young men and women fighting overseas in the War on Terror deserve all of the support and help we can give them,” Wait said.  “Their sacrifices are extraordinary and ensuring they can secure housing upon their return is a privilege, an honor, and a duty that we must fulfill.”

In addition to Wait’s National Guard Home Assistance legislation, HB270, a measure that would help law enforcement and judges isolate gang members after their release from incarceration also passed the Senate.

The bill, part of the House Republican Anti-Gang Initiative, would enable judges to order that gang members have no direct or indirect contact with other gang members.  The restrictions would be a condition of the prisoner’s release or parole.

“Gangs are a continuing problem for our communities and especially our schools.  Giving judges and police officers another tool to help break up street gangs boils down to a public safety measure that will help keep our families and children safe from the influence of gangs,” Wait said.