Aborton bill just old-style politics

In 2016, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill that expanded birth control coverage and access to abortions, over the objections of many social conservatives. Now, Gov. Rauner once again finds himself on the abortion firing line.

HB 40 would remove the Illinois "trigger law" and make Medicaid pay for elective abortions. Illinois already covers abortions in cases of rape, incest, and the mother's health. Part of the proposed law removes the so-called "trigger law" that would make abortion illegal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

This is the Democrats using a bill to try and shame Gov. Rauner.

First of all, the Illinois trigger law is a statement of policy. and there are no enforceable laws on the books in Illinois about abortion. This would only happen if the Supreme Court overrules over 40 years of precedent.

Oh, did I mention the bill also provides approximately $1.8 million yearly from the General Revenue Fund? Which they can't spend because they haven't passed a budget.

So here the Democrats are bringing up a bill that repeals a law that can't be enforced in the event the Supreme Court takes a massive 180 on legal precedent, all while proving funding they can't spend for an elective procedure that hasn't been allowed to use tax dollars since 1976.

This whole thing is a sham and a shame. A sham because this bill could easily be two separate bills and is designed to pressure Gov. Rauner. It's a shame because the Democrats can't pass a budget to help the very people who they are claiming to try and help now.

It's a classic pattern that Illinois Democrats have mastered. When you can't point to a fiscal plan, find a social one. Don't fall for it.

Steve Anderson

Schaumburg