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MLK, Inauguration Spur Rallies in Chicago, Across Nation, on 3rd Anniversary of Controversial ‘Citizens United’ Decision


Influential Senator Heather Steans to address crowd, sponsor state anti-corruption resolution calling for national Constitutional amendment

CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—January 18, 2013. Chicago Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) will headline a huge anti-corruption rally Saturday in downtown Chicago, surrounded by hundreds of cheering activists and spectacles, including a “Golden Megaphone of Money,” in conjunction with similar rallies across the nation. While millions in private donations are funding inauguration celebrations in Washington, Steans, a leader in Springfield, will announce her support for a state resolution calling for a Constitutional amendment overturning the controversial Citizens United v. FEC decision by the United States Supreme Court that allowed unlimited money to be spent by outside groups in political campaigns.

After the speech, activists will read a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speech about just government, and then will demonstrate the “Golden Megaphone of Money,” into the beginning of which enters dollar bills, and from the end exits “government policy.” The amendment advocated for by Steans would legalize anti-corruption measures that would regulate money in political campaigns.  

The resolution, to be introduced in coming months, will express state support for such a measure and urge Illinois’ Congressional delegation to sponsor and introduce such a measure in Washington, D.C. to send to the states, including Illinois, for ratification. This past November, similar ballot measures went to voters in several cities, towns, and counties throughout Illinois, and 73% of voters—74% in Chicago—voted yes on such measures. 

“We thank Senator Steans for her support of this important measure, and all of the grassroots supporters for coming out in the cold,” said Rey Lopez-Calderon, Executive Director of Common Cause Illinois. “When 73% of Illinois voters believe that big donor money has too much influence on government policy, we look forward to working with leaders in Springfield, and the Illinois Congressional delegation, to ensure that the voice of the people is heard.”  

When: This Saturday, January 19, 12 noon to 12:30 PM  

Where: Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn, Chicago  

After the speech, activists will read a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speech about just government, and then will demonstrate the “Golden Megaphone of Money,” into the beginning of which enters dollar bills, and from the end exits “government policy.”  

ABOUT COMMON CAUSE ILLINOIS: Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to restoring the core values of American democracy, reinventing an open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest, and empowering ordinary people to make their voices heard in the political process.

 


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