Have the courage to help the have-nots

Listen up, folks! We live in the great democracy where the people have a voice in what happens among us, so now is the time to use your voice. Let's be the ones to encourage our state representatives to do the next good thing to address the fact that one in five Illinois children lives in deep poverty.

Check out "Illinois State Representatives" online, input your ZIP code and get the name and number, then call, write, e-mail, text or just go see them and tell them you have the courage to change the way we do things in Illinois by starting with HB 174.

This is a new approach to our state budget that may cost you a little come tax time, if you and your family are not the ones living in poverty, but it may help those who are finding some footholds to get themselves in a better place. Obviously, no one bill will be the solution, but it's a start.

I've just come back from a day at the state Capitol, speaking with representatives who work in a system that keeps us doing the same things in the same old way and getting worsening financial results for everyone. Our representatives need to hear from constituents who are not afraid, for example, to have what could be called "luxury" services taxed so that others can receive human services vital to life.

The reps I talked with today really believe that we are saying that we won't help a neighbor if it means losses to our own self-interest. Let them know you are braver, more courageous and caring than that - and they can be, too.

Rev. Jan Niemeyer

Arlington Heights