By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Taxpayer-funded abortions will be the law in Illinois and many Republicans are furious.
Gov. Bruce Rauner ended speculation Thursday on what he’d do with a bill to allow for taxpayer-funded abortions. He said there’s strong passions on each side of the issue, but he will sign House Bill 40.
“I believe that a woman living with limited financial means should not be put in a position where she has to chose something different than a women of higher income would be able to chose,” Rauner said.
Rauner made the announcement surrounded by women, including former Lt. Governor Corinne Wood, who advocates for women’s reproductive issues.
“We have a governor who is standing up for the right thing for all women of Illinois,” Wood said. “He’s standing up for women’s health. He’s standing up to putting an end to this partisan bickering. He’s standing up to moving forward instead of moving backwards.”
State Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, said she’s sick to her stomach.
“I’m just heartbroken over the direction of this state,” Wheeler said. “We’re not only fiscally bankrupt, but we’re morally bankrupt.”
State Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, said she’s a pro-choice Republican but drew the line at tax dollars being used for abortions.
“It’s very difficult for me to support taxpayer dollars to be utilized for something 50 percent of the population in Illinois adamantly opposed,” Althoff said.
She said Rauner listened to both sides and did his due diligence but wasn’t surprised by the outcome.
Wheeler was surprised.
“Frankly, he lied to me,” Wheeler said. “I think he’s lost many of us and wouldn’t be surprised at all if there are numerous social conservatives as well as fiscal conservatives thinking about running against him.”
Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti issued a statement opposing the measure, but called it a political ploy to divide the people of Illinois.
“As a pro-life Republican, I disagree with the Governor’s decision to sign HB 40,” Sanguinetti said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for a 15-year-old refugee who chose to have me and keep me.”
Rep. Peter Breen, R-Lombard, said he can no longer support Rauner. Several other Republicans, including Rep. Bill Mitchell of Forsyth, released statements saying they were disappointed, but will continue to work with the governor on other issues facing the state.
“I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with Governor Rauner,” Mitchell said. “He told the House Republicans he would veto this bill and he told a falsehood.”
Once signed into law, House Bill 40 would allow state employees and those getting state medical assistance subsidies to get taxpayer funded abortions.
