‘Shelling’ is egregious means of lawmaking

I was heartened to read the Jan. 2 editorial in the Daily Herald under the headline, “End the 'shell' game.”

It is about time our state lawmakers be called out for this practice of disguising bills under other bills and then passing them with no debate or hearings. It's a shameful practice that reeks of impropriety and lawlessness. Our illustrious governor, who thinks himself worthy of being president, is also a culprit in this shameful practice.

While the Herald gave an example of SB 328 being passed through this ruse, an even more consequential bill was passed this way during the fall veto session. SB 1950, which was a bill that had to do with food sanitation, had an amendment added that was the “End of Life Options for Terminally Patients Act,” or “Deb's Law.” This amendment allows for physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill persons who wish to end their life.

The amendment was added at the 11th hour with no debate or input from medical groups or the general public — and despite the fact that over 2,000 witness slips were filed earlier in opposition. The bill was signed by Gov. Pritzker on Dec. 12 and will take effect this September.

As the Herald editorial stated, the practice of “shelling” has gone on for far too long and needs to end. Politicians always say they listen to the voice of the people, but nothing can be further from the truth — especially in Illinois. Our elected representatives — both state and national — need to play by the rules of the game and not stoop to low-level methods of achieving their political party platform. It's also a reason why trust in our elected officials is at all-time low.

America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. If everyone remembers their American history lessons, what was the main reason that led to the American Revolution? Dissatisfaction with the English crown and Parliament. If our elected legislators don't change their ways, another revolution could be in the making.

Gerry Bliss

Elk Grove Village