February 20, 2025
Legislative Update – Anti-Gun Shenanigans
Yesterday, February 19th, Governor Pritzker gave the budget address. In my mind, this has always been the kick-off of the legislative session. The deadline for introduction of new bills was February 7th. All this means is that the tedious work is about to commence.
Do not be fooled by the bills on the ISRA website dealing with firearms. Right now, bills have been introduced that have nothing to do with the firearm issue but, later, language will be stripped out of these bills and replaced with anti-gun language. Remember that, in Illinois, the title and description of these bills does not change from the original filing. Each year I get calls from people wondering why we are opposing a bill that has nothing to do with the firearm issue. That is because they read the title but do not read the last amendment to the bill. Those last amendments become the bill.
So, with legislative hearings beginning soon, we will be calling for witnesses opposing or in favor of certain bills. We will not be calling for witness slips unless we know that bills will be heard in committee. We will need your help in this, so be sure you visit the ISRA website and go over the tutorial on witness slips. Remember, these witness slips stay with the bill and become part of the history of that bill. The more witness slips on our side, the better.
Then, as we move toward the end of session, we will inevitably see bills stripped of their language and new language substituted, which becomes the bill. They will also change the rules so that we are only notified one hour before the committee hearing. This gives us very little time to get an alert out to our members. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to keep you notified.
I often get calls during the legislative session from national pro-gun reporters who are dismayed that these shenanigans are constitutional. My reply to them, after a long sigh, is always… “You’re dismayed? We’re dismayed, and we live here.”
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The General Assembly has filed over 6500 bills and resolutions in the last few weeks. Our legislative team is hard at work identifying every bit of 2nd Amendment related legislation. They have found over 100 bills so far, and more are being added to our tracking reports daily as they sort the thousands of last minute filings from the past few days. You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
NOTE: Last week, we were notified that South Carolina had introduced legislation that would allow permit-less carry. If passed, that would make 30 states that allow permit-less carry. That’s 60% of the states folks!
Litigation Update
Right now, all of our cases are in discovery or awaiting appointments for briefings. At this time, it is more fun to watch paint dry. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Armed Mom Stands Her Ground
Alexia Templar was rudely awakened by the sound of breaking glass at 4a.m. on Monday, February 17th. She was alone with her two children in her home, located in the Hill Park neighborhood of Decatur, Illinois, when she saw three unknown people standing in her kitchen. Holding her infant daughter in one arm and her gun in the other hand, she told them she was armed and ordered them to leave. The intruders began firing at her and she returned fire. She stood her ground, wounding one of the three intruders while she, herself, received two non-life threatening wounds.
These home-invaders were bent on killing someone, in my opinion. The police arrived later and took the three intruders into custody and, hopefully, they will be looking at long prison sentences. But this goes to show, once again, that it is only between you and the perpetrator(s) when these things go down. You cannot count on law enforcement to save you when mere moments count.
Someday, we may all be faced with a decision we should not have to make, do not want to make, or are even afraid to make…but we still have to make it, fair or not. That decision may be in six months, a year, or it could be tomorrow. You have to be ready or suffer the consequences. Being armed, having your Illinois Concealed Carry License and being well trained can go a long way to keeping you, and your loved ones, safe.
Congratulations to Alexia for making that decision and standing her ground.
Todays “Rosie The Riveter” Says Self-Defense
Is My Right! – IGOLD ’25
“Rosie The Riveter” was an iconic character that was born out of necessity during World War II. She embodied the determination and spunk of a generation of women who took up the slack on the home-front during war-time. Trading their more feminine duties for overalls and bandana-wrapped hair, women from every corner of America went to work in the factories, workshops and manual labor jobs where men usually toiled, as their male counterparts were sent off to battle overseas. It was this “can do” spirit and fortitude that played a pivotal role in America’s successes at home and abroad during the Second World War.
Today, the spirit of Rosie lives on in those strong women who stand firm for their right to self-defense and Second Amendment rights. Learning to use firearms effectively, teaching their families and their communities the importance of safe firearm use, and the need to protect the right to bear arms are important aspects of life in the U.S.A. We are proud to say that more and more women are becoming well-trained, vocal, firearm owners every year.
This year, we would like to put out a special invitation to our women members, along with their families and friends, to meet us in Springfield, Illinois, for the 2025 IGOLD march to the Capitol building on May 14, 2025. Our legislators in Springfield need to see you and hear your strong voices!
As the date draws closer, we will be sure to update everyone with more information on times and events. It should be a great day and I hope to see you there!
For ISRA “Rosie the Riveter” merchandise, visit our online store HERE.
National Second Amendment Day – February 22, 2025
We want to remind everyone that February 22 is National Second Amendment Day. The ISRA is committed to preserve the Second Amendment throughout Illinois and the United States. More on this to follow.
Legislative Update
The General Assembly has filed over 6500 bills and resolutions in the last few weeks. Our legislative team is hard at work identifying every bit of 2nd Amendment related legislation. They have found over 100 bills so far, and more are being added to our tracking reports daily as they sort the thousands of last minute filings from the past few days. You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
JUST IN: Legislation in South Carolina has been introduced that would allow permit-less carry. If passed, that would make 30 states that allow permit-less carry. That’s 60% folks!
Upcoming Municipal Elections
Tuesday, April 1 will be the municipal elections in Illinois. These elections are extremely important because this is from where the next round of State Representatives and State Senators will emerge. It is very important that you review all candidates in these elections and vote for those who are pro-gun.
NOTICE to all ISRA Members
PLEASE CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDS!
We have had tremendous problems with the mail in recent months, not being delivered. There are those that we have mailed Membership Renewal notices and they never received them. If your membership has expired or is close to expiring, please go online to our website, www.isra.org , or call the ISRA offices at 815-635-3198 to renew. Thank you!
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Upcoming dates are:
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Henry 1000 Man Shoot Rifle Raffle
Help us fund our youth shooting programs by purchasing tickets for our Henry 1000-Man Shoot Silver Boy rifles! ISRA will be raffling off rifle #873 out of 1000, which comes in its original case, on March 31, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to not only win a beautiful and rare firearm but also to support and encourage our young marksmen!
If you prefer to call the office and purchase tickets, you may do so between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. You can also mail a check to the ISRA at P.O.Box 637, Chatsworth, IL. 60921. Be sure to include a note stating it is for the Henry Rifle Raffle.
Ticket prices are 1 for $25, 5 for $100 and 15 for $250.
Purchase Tickets for the Henry 1000 HERE
New IGOLD Merchandise in the ISRA Online Store
Come visit the ISRA Online Store to view our new line of IGOLD merchandise. We have new items added every week and, if you have something particular you would like to see available, let us know! We would love to hear your ideas and appreciate your input! Email them to us at: member@isra.org
Visit the ISRA Online Store HERE
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
ISRA Academy is continuing to offer CCL renewals each month –
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Basic CCL Qualification –
3/15/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 5:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 5:30pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 9 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 1:00am – 5:00pm / Range 9 – Register HERE
Pistol Coaching Class / Level 1 –
3/22/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Pistol Optics Principles with Brian Hill of “The Complete Combatant” –
4/12/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/13/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
Important Announcement – IGOLD
The 2025 IGOLD date has been moved to May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
February 20, 1942 – Navy pilot Edward O’Hare became America’s first World War II flying ace. Lt. O’Hare was based on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. The job of the Lexington during this time was to attack the major Japanese airbase at Rabaul in the Solomon Islands.
Lieutenant O’Hare, a Chicago native, was a fighter pilot in a squadron made up of F4F Wildcats. In four minutes, Lt. O’Hare shot down five Japanese bombers. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and, in 1949, Chicago officials named the international airport there the O’Hare International Airport.
February 20, 1792 – President George Washington signs legislation renewing the United States Post Office as a cabinet department led by the Postmaster General.
February 21, 1948 – The National Association of Stock Car Racing, a.k.a. NASCAR, is officially incorporated. On June 19, 1949, at the Charlotte Speedway, NASCAR held a strictly stock car race. The 200 lap race was seen by 13,000 fans with top prize money at $2000.
February 22, 1980 – The U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the Soviet Union. It became known as the “Miracle on Ice” as the American team pulled off the legendary win, buoying the spirit of the nation.
February 22, 1819 – Florida is ceded to the United States. After the French and Indian War, Florida became a part of the British Empire. Florida was then returned to Spain as part of the Second Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, then negotiated the purchase of Florida by assuming the debt that America had accrued against the Spanish Empire. The cost of the acquisition was $5 million dollars.
February 22, 1732 – George Washington was born. Happy birthday Mr. President. The country you helped establish owes you a debt of gratitude.
February 22, 1946 – American diplomat George Kennan sent what has been come to be known as the “Long Telegram”. Kennan warned the West and, in particular, the United States, that peaceful coexistence with the Soviet Union was probably impossible. He also warned President Franklin D. Roosevelt that hope in Joseph Stalin working with him in good faith was completely misplaced. These ideas and opinions became the underpinnings of what would become the “Cold War”.
February 23, 1861 – Abraham Lincoln arrived in Washington D.C. Abraham Lincoln is, arguable, the smartest President we have even elected, except for Thomas Jefferson. When he arrived in Washington, the United States was on the cusp of the Civil War. Amazing to think that he might have been a catalyst that brought about the Civil War, but he was also the right man for the top job during those tumultuous times.
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
Mar 1 – Mar 2, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar 7 – Mar 8, 2025 Prairieland Frontiersman Show, Sullivan American Legion, Sullivan, IL.
Mar 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Mar 29 – Mar 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 5 – April 6, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe, IL.
April 13, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
May 17 – May 18, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tues – Golden Corral, 1591 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thurs – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wed – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Livingston County – Last Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar