We just finished a week of relief as both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly adjourned and went home last week for Easter. The Illinois House is scheduled to return to the Capitol tomorrow. The Illinois Senate is scheduled to return next week, on April 29th.
Please be on the lookout for next week’s update because there are a number of bills that will need your attention. And again, thank you for keeping all these things in your prayers, and for emailing, making calls and filing witness slips. It has made a difference in stalling two egregious proposals: HB 2827 (the Homeschool Registration Act) and SB 9, (the assisted-suicide bill).
We need to be diligent, however. Experience has taught us that motivated sponsors and proponents will continue to work their bills throughout the year to get the votes they need for passage. They’re not resting and neither should we.
HB 2827 – Homeschool Act
Illinois State Representative Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) said she is indeed still working HB 2827 or some form of a homeschool regulation bill, according to an April 14th Capitol News article.
Though the bill has been amended twice already, she’s willing to make other changes to pick up the votes she needs for passage. Please keep up the pressure.
TAKE ACTION: We highly recommend calling your state rep’s office even if you’ve already done so. Click HERE to find their contact information. We urge calls to both their district and Springfield offices.
SB 9 – Assisted Suicide
Apparently, SB 9 was also short of the votes needed for passage in the Senate. But the bill’s not dead and if Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), the sponsor, sways a few votes, the bill could still move through the process.
As you know, the bill will legalize lethal drugs prescribed by a doctor to end someone’s life.
TAKE ACTION: We’re recommending that in addition to calling your state senator, you also call Senators Stadelman, Joyce, and Hastings with the following short message or something similar: “Please vote against SB 9. It is very important. Thank you very much.”
A respectful tone is very important. Disrespect would work against us on this type of bill, where the other side has the PR edge on compassion.
We’re so grateful that you are working with us to stop this legislation!
