DEMS PULL‘ TRIGGER’
House puts Rauner in political crosshairs by passing measure to remove ‘ trigger’ that would make abortions illegal if Roe v. Wade overturned
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House on Tuesday passed a controversial measure that would ensure abortion remains legal in Illinois regardless of potential U. S. Supreme Court action and would expand Medicaidfunded abortions — a bill that could have political ramifications for Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner should he follow through with a vowed veto.
After nearly two hours of debate, the House approved the bill 62- 55 with no Republican support. Five Democrats voted against it.
The vote came as hundreds of women gathered outside the Capitol for a march and rally — in part to build momentum for the measure. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton told the crowd he’s prepared to try to pass the bill in the Senate and also override Rauner’s veto if necessary.
The political overtones and timing of themeasure are clear.
With the gubernatorial primary 11 months away, Rauner, who has proclaimed himself to be pro- choice, may be forced to carry through on his threat to veto the measure, which may alienate some voters who support abortion rights.
Rauner’s administration on Tuesday said the governor would have supported a measure designed solely to protect abortion rights from Supreme court action, arguing the administration doesn’t support expanding taxpayer funding for “elective procedures.”
But Democratic sponsors say it’s not a political move to bust the governor and more about protecting women’s reproductive rights in the state in the President Donald Trump era.
The bill contains language to remove a “trigger provision” that would make abortions illegal should Roe v. Wade be overturned — and would also allow women with Medicaid and state- employee health insurance to use their coverage for abortions in any case. The state already pays for abortions for cases of rape, incest, to protect the health of the mother and to save the life of the mother.
During the debate, some Republicans argued the measure would cost the state, and expansion of Medicaid services isn’t necessary. Some voted no for ideological reasons.
State Rep. Peter Breen, R- Lombard, argued that expanding Medicaid coverage for abortions would cost the state millions.
“Where should that money come from? Should it come from cancer screenings … will it come from necessary surgeries?” Breen asked.
Breen said the trigger language in the bill is “clouding the debate,” and that if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, abortion still would not be illegal in the state.
“It is, in the word of today, fake news. It’s a smokescreen,” Breen said. “The entire purpose of this bill is to bring more money, millions of dollars from the Illinois state treasury to the abortion industry.”
Others said theywere religious but felt they needed to support the bill to help low- income women get safe and accessible abortion services.
“I am offended that my faith has been questioned on this floor because I support a women’s right to choose,” state Rep. Elgie Sims, D- Chicago, said during the debate. “It is not my place to make a decision for another. That decision must be between that person and their family and their God.
As the debate stretched into its second hour, Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including J. B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss and Ald. Ameya Pawar, spoke at the rally. Rauner’s opponents have criticized his position on the bill.
Momentum on the legislation — sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D- Chicago, and 24 other House Democrats— had been building when Rauner’s administration on April 14 said he wouldn’t support the bill.
Rauner has denied he’s a flip- flopper on abortion rights— while saying the expansion of abortion coverage under Medicaid is too “divisive” and “controversial” to deal with in light of the state’s fiscal problems.
The governor’s office also said there was an offer to support the measure if Feigenholtz removed the Medicaid portion of the bill. She said no.
“It is important. They are both important and they should be cast together. And it’s just a red herring what they’re doing,” Feigenholtz said about the governor’s office’s request.