By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – It’s on to the governor’s desk with a bill to allow state tax dollars to fund abortions where a likely veto awaits .
House Bill 40 passed the Senate Wednesday. The measure would allow tax dollars through medicaid and through state employee health plans to fund abortions. It would also allow tax dollars through grants to go to nonprofits that perform abortions.
State Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Plainfield, said the measure is necessary because of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade possibly being overturned in the future.
“Don’t take that choice away from people who may find themselves in that situation where it is an appropriate choice and one they need to make,” Holmes said.
State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said this measure will help ensure the procedure is safe in Illinois. “It is time with what is being risked at the federal level for us to ensure that we keep it safe here.”
But opponents weren’t worried about whether it would still be a legal procedure in Illinois. They worried about taxpayers picking up the tab.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said as a pro-life mother of four she opposes using tax dollars for elective abortions.
“This legislation is a significant change from national policy that taxpayer’s dollars do not fund elective abortions. I believe with Illinois tremendous financial crisis this state cannot afford any expansion of medicaid or state employee health insurance plans paying for elective abortions,” Rezin said.
State Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said with the state as cash strapped as it is, using tax dollars on abortions is divisive.
“How much better it would be used to use that millions of dollars to educate all of our children,” Republican state Sen. Jill Tracy said.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services estimates the bill will cost taxpayers an additional $1.8 million.
The measure now heads to the governor’s desk. He has said the issue is too divisive and lawmakers should instead focus on a balanced budget with reforms to grow the economy.
