Posted on May 28th, 2009 by Cali CannabisFrom the Chicago Daily Herald:
With the help of key suburban votes, a plan to let those suffering from certain medical ailments and conditions use marijuana cleared the Illinois Senate Wednesday. The plan was approved 30-28 in the 59-member chamber, garnering the bare minimum of votes needed.
“This is not recreational,” said state Sen. Linda Holmes, an Aurora Democrat who has multiple sclerosis. She said the issue is helping people with debilitating conditions improve their quality of life.
“It is long overdue,” said Holmes, one of five area Democrats to vote “yes.”
The Illinois Senate narrowly approved legislation that would permit the use of marijuana for specific medical ailments. The vote was 30-28 with one member voting present. It now advances to the Illinois House for consideration.
Local senators voting yes:
Don Harmon, Oak Park Democrat
Linda Holmes, Aurora Democrat
Dan Kotowski, Park Ridge Democrat
Terry Link, Waukegan Democrat
Arthur “AJ” Wilhelmi, Joliet Democrat
Local senators voting no:
Pamela J. Althoff, McHenry Republican
Michael Bond, Grayslake Democrat
Dan Cronin, Elmhurst Republican
Kirk W. Dillard, Hinsdale Republican
Dan Duffy, Lake Barrington Republican
Susan Garrett, Lake Forest Democrat
Randall M. Hultgren, Winfield Republican
Chris Lauzen, Aurora Republican
John J. Millner, Carol Stream Republican
Matt Murphy, Palatine Republican
Michael Noland, Elgin Democrat
Carole Pankau, Itasca Republican
Source: Senate roll call, SB1381
