Home visitor testifies at Illinois House committee hearing
July 17, 2009
In March 2009, home visitor Tasha Thompson traveled to Springfield to testify before the House Appropriations Human Services Committee about a bill to increase funding for home visiting services in Illinois. The following are excerpts from her interview about the experience.
Tell me a bit about your personal story and background.
I am currently a family support specialist with the Mental Health Center of Champaign's home visiting programs [that are funded by the Ounce]. I think my story is unique because before working as a home visitor, I was in the program as a participant. I had my first child at age 15. I enrolled in the home visiting program not knowing what to expect, but soon found that it offered me great support and guidance. Because I came from a background of domestic violence and foster care, I knew the odds were stacked against me. But with the support of my home visitor, I am now a successful woman, wife, mother of three, college graduate, and published author. My youngest son benefited greatly from the program as well. I learned that I needed to start early to support the education of my son, who is now 13, an honors student with a 4.4 GPA, and applying to high school with the hopes of attending a four-year university.
Why did you testify in Springfield?
I felt it was my duty to make my voice heard and do anything I could to help benefit home visiting programs in Illinois.
Had you ever done something like this in the past?
No! I had never done anything like that before in my life. I was absolutely terrified. It was my first experience with how decisions are made in Springfield and how laws are passed. At first I couldn't believe that I was testifying before legislators, sharing my personal story, and trying to get them to approve more money for home visiting. I was in awe of the whole process. I thought that legislators might question who I was and what I had to say about the issue. Finally, I just focused on the purpose of being in Springfield and prayed that my testimony would inspire legislators to make the right decision.
What was the most interesting part of the experience?
Before going to Springfield, I didn't know how things were really set up in our state capitol. I would hear things on TV but didn't realize how much actually happens in Springfield on a daily basis. It was interesting to see all the representatives from organizations around the state trying to get bills passed on issues that they care about. I got a good sense of the importance of the work in Springfield, how it molds our state, and how much control legislators have. The experience left me wondering if I could be a lobbyist and keep fighting for the things that I believe in. I think the answer is "Yes, I could do this." I would like to take my children to Springfield because I don't want them to get to be my age and not have an experience like this. I want them to see all the people who are fighting for things that they believe in and help them realize that they too can make a difference.
What would you say to other people who might consider coming to Springfield to advocate for early childhood issues?
We all have a voice and I think that no one should pass up the opportunity. The pastor of my congregation says, "many voices with all one sound." We are all different voices but when we get together to say the same thing, we sound as one and are louder and more powerful. All home visiting programs need to add their voice to make legislators more aware of the importance of the services we provide.
Did this experience change your perspective about advocacy?
I feel empowered and have the desire to stay informed and active to influence the process. I feel like I can really make a change with my advocacy.
Update: The bill that Thompson testified about, HB1053, was later passed successfully by the House of Representatives. No action was taken in the Senate.
Previous Page