Governor Signs House Bill 40 Into Law Involving Public Funding of Abortions

Governor Bruce Rauner made the following statement concerning his decision to sign House Bill 40, which will provide funding for abortions (this is the measure referred to by St. Rep. David Reis in a story posted earlier Thursday. See that story elsewhere on the local news page)

(GOV. BRUCE RAUNER)

“I understand abortion is a very emotional issue with passionate opinions on both sides. I sincerely respect those who believe abortion is morally wrong. They are good people motivated by principle.

“But, as I have always said, I believe a woman should have the right to make that choice herself and I do not believe that choice should be determined by income. I do not think it’s fair to deny poor women the choice that wealthy women have.

“That is why I am signing HB40.

“This is not a new position – I campaigned on this principle in 2014 and it is a principle I have tried to live up to throughout my life.

“I have spent the past couple of months talking to people on both sides of this issue. I have also spent a lot of time meeting with women across Illinois and listening to their personal stories, particularly low-income women who do not have the same luxuries that many of us have. Their stories and their struggles are real and they have touched me in a very personal way.  They deserve to have a choice as much as anyone else.

“I know there will be many people who disagree and I respect their opinions. I respect their passion. It is my hope that good people can disagree respectfully and can come together on other important issues that affect our state.”

St. Sen. Kyle McCarter immediately condemned the governor's decision, going so far as to say Rauner should not seek re-election. McCarter said the decision changes decades of past practice in Illinois and is in conflict with the Illinois Republican Party platform. He said surveys indicate that a majority of even those who say they are pro-abortion disapprove of public financing of abortions.

St. Rep. John Cavaletto released the following statement on Rauner's action: "My faith and moral compass tell me that life begins at conception and that every life is precious. I worked with special needs children since I was in school at summer camps to help give them a more fulfilling life. Those camps and programs were used to help develop what has become known as the Special Olympics." He added, "I'm disappointed with the actions of the governor today to expand spending public dollars on a procedure that I oppose and is opposed by the majority of people in my district. I will work with other legislators to draft legislation and reverse this new law."

St. Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon also opposes the governor's action. Righter said, "I am incredibly disappointed in Gov. Rauner's decision to sign House Bill 40 into law. Last April, he pledged he would veto House Bill 40, legislation that would pay for abortions--even elective abortions--for those on Medicaid and covered by state health insurance. At a time where we need to cut the state's budget, we are now going to add millions of dollars in new costs through taxpayer-funded abortion. Polls show consistently that the majority of Americans are opposed to tax dollars being used to pay for abortion. It's a sad day for Illinois, for the voiceless, and Illinois taxpayers."

Even Rauner's running mate, Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, disagrees with the governor's action. Sanguinetti said, "As a pro-life Republican, I disagree with the Governor's decision to sign House Bill 40. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for a 15-year-old refugee who chose to have me and keep me. I realize this bill is a political ploy to divide the people of Illinois. While I disagree with the governor on this, we must focus on our areas of agreement--enacting real reforms we need to turn Illinois around."