Union County resident set to launch campaign for state representative
<p class="p1">A Union County resident planned to formally launch her campaign for the state legislature on Wednesday, Nov. 18.</p><p class="p1">Democrat Marsha Griffin of Jonesboro is seeking to be elected as state representative from the 115th District in Southern Illinois.</p><p class="p1">Part of Union County is in the district, which is currently being represented by Republican Terri Bryant of Murphysboro.</p><p class="p1">Griffin was scheduled to kick off her campaign Wednesday with stops in Carbondale and Union County.</p><p class="p1">Before she had formally begun the campaign, Griffin issued a news release on Nov. 11 in which she called on Bryant "to stand up for seniors by voting to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s effort to deny care to elderly residents."</p><p class="p1">Griffin said that the "challenges Illinois faces are going to show what our elected leaders really believe in." </p><p class="p1">“I am called by my faith to stand up for the powerless, even if that means standing up to the most powerful political bosses in the state. Psalm 71 begs ‘Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.’ </p><p class="p1">"This vote will show whether those who claim to represent us are willing to speak for us or continue to play games with the lives of those in need.” </p><p class="p1">A teacher, mother and a driving force behind efforts on behalf of Southern Illinois prison guards and the reopening of Tamms prison, Griffin said she is standing with senior advocates from across Illinois, including AARP, Access Living, AgeOptions, the Alzheimer’s Association and Citizens for Better Care calling on legislators to implement a measure that will help elderly Illinoisans continue receiving the care they need. </p><p class="p1">Earlier this year, legislators on both sides of the aisle passed House Bill 2482, rejecting Rauner’s severe reductions to senior services. </p><p class="p1">While Rauner has blocked implementation of the bipartisan measure, unilaterally inserting language that would give politicians the power to deny critical care to elderly nursing home residents, Griffin said she is urging Bryant to stand with seniors and override the governor’s veto, ensuring seniors will continue to receive the care they need. </p><p class="p1">“Springfield’s outrageous games are already putting the care of some of Illinois’ most vulnerable seniors at risk," she said.</p><p class="p1">"This is clearly no time to give politicians more control over the care of the sick and elderly.</p><p class="p1">“Representative Bryant voted for the original legislation, and local seniors can’t afford for her to cave to political pressure and switch her vote now. I hope everyone who has a vote in the state legislature will use that vote as a voice for seniors in Illinois.”</p><p class="p2"> </p>