Pending State Sarcoidosis Legislation:

Illinois (Passed July 2005): Thanks to the efforts of local advocates, legislation introduced in an effort to increase funding for medical research on sarcoidosis, passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and was signed into law by Governor Blagojevich in July 2005. This law (derived from HB2470 and HB2480) changes the Illinois Income Tax Act to create a tax check-off to collect important money for sarcoidosis research. Illinois taxpayers will be able to contribute to the fund by indicating the amount they wish to donate on their 2005 Illinois 1040 income tax return form. All donations to the fund are tax deductible. This fund must generate a minimum of $100,000 in order to appear on the next year's tax form, so we encourage the support of Illinois residents at tax-time next April.

• To read each bill, visit the Illinois General Assembly Web site at: www.ilga.gov.

• Read the Press Release issued by the Governor's Office.

• To thank the Governor for his support Complete the on-line form at www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm, or write to the Office of the Governor, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706 or call the Governor's Office of Citizen's Assistance at: 217-782-0244 or 312-814-2121.