Collaborate with victim service providers and law enforcement. Victim service providers are on the front lines of responding to domestic violence and sexual assault, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of survivors. Anderson will collaborate with these organizations to finalize a Safe at Home program that addresses concerns specific to Iowa.

Provide a substitute address to survivors. Survivors who register with the program will be provided with a substitute address that can be used on all official documents for state and local agencies. This address is a P.O. Box that is administered securely by the Secretary of State's office, who will be responsible for collecting mail sent to program participants at this address.

Securely forward mail to Safe at Home participants actual addresses. All first-class mail that is sent to the participant's Safe at Home address will be forwarded at no charge to the actual physical address of the participant. Actual addresses will be kept under tight security in the Secretary of State's office to ensure they remain confidential. 

Ensuring access to voting. The Safe at Home program will allow voters to register confidentially at their substitute address. The Secretary of State's office will assign a voter code to participants to register to vote and will notify county auditors of the registration. To ensure information is protected, county auditors will not be given the actual physical address of program participants. Program participants will be mailed an absentee ballot request form. If requested, an absentee ballot will be mailed by the county auditor to the substitute address administered by the Secretary of State's office. Anderson has also proposed optional permanent vote by mail, which, if passed, forms would be made available to program participants as part of the registration process.

Educate participants about the scope of the program. While the Safe at Home program takes major steps to ensure the privacy of survivors, the Secretary of State's office will also provide ongoing education about what the program does and does not do. Participants will be reminded that address confidentiality is only one piece of a comprehensive plan for their safety and be updated on how to ensure their address remains confidential.

SPRINGFIELD... The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is pleased to announce it's strong support of Senator Mike Jacobs who has been a leader in the fight to create good, high-paying jobs in the Quad City area and across the entire state.  In announcing their support, the IMA noted the Senator Jacob's record in fighting for lower taxes, less regulation, and additional investment in schools and infrastructure.

Specifically, Senator Jacobs supported comprehensive Workers' Compensation reform, creation of a permanent Research & Development tax credit, and lower utility rates for manufacturing companies.

"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association stands behind Mike Jacobs this November because of his strong support for job creators and ability to work across party lines.  In today's political climate, it's important that we have independent leaders who are not afraid to stand up and do the right thing ," said Mark Denzler, Vice President & COO of the IMA.  "Mike continues to successfully revitalize the region's economy by creating jobs and investing in critical infrastructure.  We know he will continue to fight to grow our economy and promote a positive business climate in Illinois."

Illinois manufacturers today employ nearly 580,000 workers directly and contribute the single largest share of the Gross State Product.  Last year, Illinois exported nearly $66 billion in goods, with more than ninety percent being manufactured products.  The 36th Senate district includes hundreds of manufacturing companies ranging from the Fortune 100 to small, family-owned companies.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/22/2014)(readMedia)-- CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Hiller of McCullom Lake, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, was recognized for her work as the U.S. Army Central senior (USARCENT) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) from May to September 2014.

"As the senior SARC, Hiller provided critical guidance and information related to the Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) program to 18 brigade-level SARCs throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," said Maj. Marvin Brown, USARCENT SHARP manager.

Hiller served as the USARCENT senior SARC from May to September 2014, while also serving as the 108th Sustainment Brigade SARC.

"She epitomizes the noncommissioned officer corps," said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of USARCENT. "I've come to depend on her expertise and her candor, telling me as a commander what I need to know. This allows commanders throughout USARCENT to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the SHARP program in their units and the organization as a whole."

Terry said the SHARP program continues to improve as Soldiers become better trained and educated on what support is available and how sexual assault and harassment will not be tolerated within the military.

Hiller was one of the first unit victim advocates in the Illinois National Guard. She served in Illinois working with the Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois, aiding Soldiers seeking assistance from the SHARP program. When she joined the 108th prior to the unit's deployment, she was assigned as the brigade's SARC. Two months after arriving in Kuwait she was selected to serve as USARCENT SARC, in addition to serving the brigade.

Hiller said the opportunity to serve as USARCENT SARC was both an honor and a privilege.

"I started as a unit victim advocate to help Soldiers in my unit. Now I'm in the position to help Soldiers throughout USARCENT," said Hiller. "Sexual assault and harassment prevention are a priority for Army leaders. It's our job as SARCs to provide assistance and care to victims and help them through a difficult recovery process."

While Hiller served as SARC, she worked with units across USARCENT to train and educate not only Soldiers, but leaders and command teams. While holding SHARP summits, she gave leaders insight on how to combat sexual assault and harassment at the unit level and the importance of their role as leaders to the SHARP program.

"When Soldiers and leaders understand what sexual assault and harassment are, they can help create an environment where they can identify and stop possible incidents," said Hiller. "Intervention and strong positive leadership lessen the chance of incidents."

Hiller added she has made a difference helping Soldiers by providing training and guidance to leaders to help future generations.

"She dramatically increased the effectiveness of the USARCENT SHARP Program through a strategic approach to providing victim support," said Brown. "Her expertise and guidance were critical in drafting and updating USARCENT SHARP policies and procedures."

Brown said Hiller is a dynamic and innovative trainer and conducted highly effective training sessions for units throughout Kuwait.

"Sgt. 1st Class Hiller's passion for helping victims and changing the culture of sexual assault and sexual harassment is second to none and she has certainly left the U.S. ARCENT SHARP Program better than it was when she arrived," said Brown.

Prior to deploying, Hiller served as the full-time victim advocate coordinator for the Illinois Army National Guard. Upon her return to Illinois, Hiller hopes to find employment that will allow her to engage her skills and experience to continue assisting victims and educating leaders to ensure a workplace free of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

"Sexual harassment and assault of any nature is a crime and not in line with the Army values. It will not be tolerated," said Terry. "It is the dedication and tireless effort of Soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Hiller who ensure the improvement of the SHARP program to prevent incidents and help the victims."