I am proud that I was chosen by the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) for the 2008 Best Legislative Voting Record. The IVI-IPO is a non-profit, independent political organization dedicated to government activism and the vision of open and honest government in Illinois. Each year, the IVI-IPO Board of Directors selects members of the Illinois General Assembly for its "Best Legislative Voting Record Awards." This year, 6 senators and 10 representatives were chosen from the 177 members of the Assembly. I received the highest rating with a 95% score.

In response to my requests to provide clean, efficient fuel alternatives for motor vehicles, North Shore School District 113 installed an E-85 fuel tank on West Park Avenue for District 113 and Park District cars and vans. I applaud this first step towards providing access to more efficient fuels for vehicles that can use E-85. It is my hope that E-85 fuel will be made commercially available for resident vehicles in our District in the near-term.

SHALVA is an agency whose mission is to empower the Jewish community to reduce and/or eliminate domestic abuse through awareness, education, and prevention. It also aids abuse victims in the Jewish community through advocacy, counseling, legal information, and other support services for free. The agency serves clients who self-identify with the Jewish community, even if they themselves are not Jewish, but are married to Jewish spouses.

In a recent newsletter, SHALVA thanked us for collecting cell phones on behalf of victims of domestic violence. We have collected over 100 phones and will continue to collect them. Please drop your old cell phones off at my office at 427 Sheridan Road, Highwood. If you need to reach SHALVA, please contact them at (773) 583-HOPE (4673) or e-mail: SHALVAchgo@aol.com.

Effective July 1, out-of-state vineyards cannot ship wine via internet sales to Illinois residents unless they have a shipper's license. I opposed the anti-consumer bill that created this law and was one of only 6 representatives who voted against it.

This legislative action was initiated by in-state liquor distributors as an effort to reduce competition in their business. I have always taken a pro-consumer stance and, in this case, voted as such. Although there have been legal challenges to similar laws in other states, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides special powers to states to regulate liquor sales and at the moment, no challenges are on the radar in Illinois.

Until your favorite winery has an Illinois winery shipper's license, check the list on this link to see the 170 wineries that are able to ship to Illinois: winery list.

The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy is a newly organized, non-partisan, non-profit corporation seeking to enhance the global understanding and practice of democracy. The Center is holding its inaugural program on Sunday, August 10, 2008 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the beautiful, historic grounds of the Adlai E. Stevenson Home, 25200 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville (about one mile south of Rt. 60).

The program will be an Exploration of the American National Nominating Convention - Then and Now. Honored speakers and guests will include: Rep. John Anderson, Alderman Ed Burke, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Mark Kirk, Sen. Richard Lugar, Sen. George McGovern, Richard Norton Smith, Sen. Adlai E. Stevenson III and more. Bill Kurtis will moderate.

A minimum contribution of $50 is requested per person in advance, $60 per person at the door. All donations are tax-deductible. Refreshments will be served.

Register online at www.stevensoncenterondemocracy.org or call 312- 337-4933 for more information.

email: karenmay58@aol.com

phone: (847) 433-9100

web: http://www.repkarenmay.org