Legislative Update, May 30, 2009

Civil Unions Stalled?

Today, even though it was on third reading, SB 1716, the Civil Unions Bill was not voted upon. This clearly indicates that the bill does not have the votes to pass (which is what we have been thinking all along). Thanks to your calls, emails, letters, and prayers, this legislation has fallen short of the 60 votes necessary to pass. While national pressure has been brought to bear on the Illinois House members (calls from legislators supporting civil unions all across America), and intense lobbying pressure has been brought to bear in the State Capitol (12 professional lobbyists along with the lobbyists from the labor unions), and pressure from the news media, this legislation continues to be held at bay.

This is not over until the General Assembly is done in January of 2011, but for the moment, it seems unlikely that the civil unions legislation will come up for a vote--although it still could come up tomorrow. The sponsor of this legislation does not want a national public embarrassment by losing on this legislation, and has stated publicly that he will not bring it up for a vote unless he has the votes lined up.

We thank God that our families continue to be protected from this legislation. Continue to pray for our legislature as they make the final decisions for this Spring.

So-Called "Medical" Marijuana Stalled?

Intial indications are that Rep. Lou Lang, the sponsor of the so-called "Medical" Marijuana bill (SB 1381), has stated that he may not call the bill for a vote (even though it is on third reading in the House) this spring, since he is short on the votes necessary to pass the bill. We will update you on what happens.

Senate Passes Huge Tax Increase

The Illinois Senate passed legislation tonight increasing the income tax from 3% to 5%--a huge increase in the income tax. At this point, it does not appear that the House has the votes to pass this tax increase. Tonight the House (at 11:40 PM) is still debating the state spending, which is being cut sharply due to a lack of funding for the agencies. Agencies are receiving lump sums of money so they can decide where the money can go. The spending bill funds the state agencies at about 50% of what the governor requested in his budget.

I'm calling it a night soon, but would ask that you continue to pray for God's leading and wisdom in the decisions that the legislature makes. The plea has just been made on the floor of the House by Majority Leader Barbara Curry to find ways to increase the revenue for the state tomorrow (a tax increase?).

In His Service, Rev. Bob