Thought people would have an interest in this recent meeting!

Think this will happen if Rauner is not reelected?   Voting this year is essential!!!

http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=69442

On Monday, Mr. B and I met with ISP Firearm Services Bureau Chief Jessica Trame, the FSB chief legal counsel, and the ISP legislative liaison to discuss issues about the FOID/CCL appeal processes and the ongoing problem of not being able to reach anyone in the bureau by phone. We were warmly received and they made sure we had ample time to discuss all our issues. they readily acknowledged there are problems with not being able to reach someone by phone and there are problems with some FOID/CCL appeals taking a long time to be resolved.  It was a very informative, very helpful meeting.  I learned some very good info that will help when advising people on submitting FOID/CCL appeals.  I have a better understanding of the issues from the FSB perspective as well.

Three major issues they are dealing with is a flawed and antiquated phone system, the FOID system is still all paper except for applications and renewals, staffing is a problem:

There are plans to upgrade to VOIP phone system but as with anything in government, a timeline is unknown.

Apris is working on building a FOID software program which would incorporate appeals and integrate with the CCL software.  A program designed for a small number of concealed carry license holders, expanded to include more than 2 million FOID holders, is a challenge.  Progress is slow going because Apris was bought out by another company and the team assigned to FSB ended, new team now coming up to speed  . . .

Staffing problems - the government hiring process is very laborious and drawn out, by the time all the red tape is cleared a lot of folks have already gotten jobs elsewhere.  Once hired, there is extensive training, mandated overtime, and the wages are not very competitive so turnover is high.  I mentioned someone to answer the phone and just take messages, even if they can't answer questions, would be helpful.

On Tuesday, we met with Gov. Rauner and his advisors.  Again, we were warmly received and provided an extended amount of time to discuss all the issues we have with the FSB and also to talk about the dealer licensing, 72 hr. waiting period, and Firearm Restraining Order bills. The Gov. tasked his Chief of Staff to follow up on problems at the FSB.  I believe they will be resolved, mostly to our satisfaction.  On the legislation, they were open to dialogue, listened to our position, made note of our suggestions, and the discussion continues.  Even today we have exchanged several emails.

We are very fortunate to have a Governor who will take the time to sit down with us, hear us out, take note of our concerns.  In administrations past, we couldn't even get inside the glass doors to the outer office.  Gov. Rauner is all that stands between us and a new administration that would strip us of all our rights in the blink of an eye.

We appreciate the Governor's willingness to at least discuss these important issues with us.

These were lengthy meetings.  2 1/2 hours with ISP and 2 hours with Governor for a while and finished up with his staff.  If the administration changes, this access will go away just as it was back when there was a democrat in the Governor's office.  We were pleasantly surprised how well we were received.

Mr. B
AKA SwanHunter
AKA Mike

As always Gentlemen, thank you for all you do to preserve what we do have here in Illinois.

There is a method to solve all the FOID problems for free...

Were it only that simple...