Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar


Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives


Previous Post: Social services implode as middle class shrinks
Next Post: Question of the day

Rauner proposal funds abstinence education grants

Posted in:

* Um, OK…


.@GovRauner's stopgap budget includes $5.6 million for abstinence education grants. #twill @dailyherald

— Kerry Lester (@kerrylester) June 28, 2016

* From May 22, 2013

Illinois public schools that teach sex education will be required to provide information about birth control under a measure the Senate sent to Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday.

The legislation is a change from current policy, where abstinence is the only requirement for schools with sex ed classes. The measure was approved on a 37-21 vote and needed 30 to pass.

Supporters argue that abstinence-only education is not effective and students should be taught about other methods of birth control and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Opponents contend abstinence-only education should remain the norm in schools, saying parents should decide how to educate their kids about sex.

Sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said the measure still would require schools to teach that abstinence is the only way to prevent pregnancy and disease, while at the same time allowing “students to make healthy decisions for themselves.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:30 pm

Comments

  1. If you’re going to gut social services you might as well promote teen pregnancy at the same time…

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:35 pm

  2. So, according to Ron Sandack, there’s no reason to get excited about defunding homeless youth programs, but we magically found money for abstinence-only education?

    Are these folks trying to kill their own a deal or what?

    Where are Terry Cosgrove and Karen Reitan at on this?

    Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:36 pm

  3. That will increase the population of Illinois. Well done Governor!

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:37 pm

  4. So…if we teach abstinence regarding sex education, does that mean we can start teaching kids about not shooting guns or having guns at all, as the only 100% sure way not to kill people with a gun?

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:43 pm

  5. How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois?

    Comment by Not just me Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:43 pm

  6. Good thing there’s no social agenda

    Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:44 pm

  7. Go ask Bristol Plain how well abstinence-only education works.

    Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:46 pm

  8. Abstinence is, indeed, a 100% effective form of birth control.

    But the history of the planet will show that the great majority of human beings have been hard-wired biologically to promote the survival of the species.

    So maybe teens with raging hormones might be best served by learning in school about other options.

    Learning. School. See how those two things go together?

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:46 pm

  9. wait isnt this collectivist spending to give grants like this?

    Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:46 pm

  10. Abstinence hasn’t worked because the word just doesn’t sound like fun. They need to re-brand it. In keeping with the British, how about “sexit”?!

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:49 pm

  11. I think parents can more effectively tell their kids to “not have sex” than a school for 5.6 million dollars. For the love of Almighty Christ, PLEASE give that money to a social service agency!
    Look abstinence education has been proven over and over to be totally ineffective. My denomination has a 14wk comprehensive human sexuality curriculum(s) (multiple curriculums age appropriate throughout the whole life). Abstinence only education is actually counter productive to the goal of reducing teen pregnancy and STD’s. Only comprehensive sexual education works. Money for this absolutely infuriates me.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:49 pm

  12. Are you freakin’ kidding me?!?! Human Services and Higher Ed has just been gutted - (higher Ed - negative budget over the past 2 years - 118%)

    Comment by fed up! Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:52 pm

  13. Where would this 5.6 million dollars go? A bonus to teachers who agree to teach abstinence??

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:53 pm

  14. “Not just me” wins the internet with:

    “How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois?”

    Comment by Dome Gnome Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:56 pm

  15. ===How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois? ===

    West Indiana?

    Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:56 pm

  16. Just say no. Another simple solution from a simple Governor.

    Comment by Hedley Lamarr Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 12:58 pm

  17. I thought Mrs. Rauner said her husband had NO social agenda. And didn’t/doesn’t she support Planned Parenthood?

    For the love of the state - this is ridiculous.

    Comment by Bleh Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:01 pm

  18. ===How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois? ===

    Just abstain from answering the question. It’s 100% effective at preventing Illinois-directed scorn.

    Comment by SinkingShip Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:02 pm

  19. I FULLY agree that abstinence desperately needs to be more of the dialogue in sex education. It should be the majority of the conversation in my opinion. Just do not think it should be the only education a teenager gets on the subject.

    Comment by Richard Afflis Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:05 pm

  20. Don’t know if it matters to anyone, but a couple points addressing some points made previously

    1. This is also in the Democrats budget bills.
    2. This is federal funds, not state. I assume it cannot be repurposed for any other uses. It’s free money from the Feds.

    Comment by TCB Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:06 pm

  21. Is this another example of “no social agenda?”

    Like “no pay” for social service providers you’ve contracted with?

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:08 pm

  22. Uh, I wonder who receives contracts to provide this “abstinence” education?

    Comment by kimocat Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:09 pm

  23. This is right up there with “Free Motorcycle Training Classes”

    Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:15 pm

  24. TCB, the federal funding requires a state/local match of I believe 43%, so it’s not exactly “free money from the Feds.”

    Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:19 pm

  25. Um……NO

    Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:20 pm

  26. Thanks TCB. That makes sense.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:22 pm

  27. and on what exactly will the $5.6 million be spent, hiring “consultants” to teach teachers what they should be able to pick up by reading?

    This should also include choices to have non-reproductive sex, and attach social stigma to having reproductive sex.

    It should be noted that out of wedlock births with FAR less amongst all demographic groups when society, while those engaging in it were vilified, but it skyrocketed when it became socially acceptable, and encourage by media, and profitable from public assistance.

    What will REALLY create abstinence is showing a tough childbirth and ravages of STDs to the girls. That’ll change a lot of minds.

    Comment by Illinois Bob Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:26 pm

  28. Gee Bob, are you secretly an old Irish nun?

    Comment by kimocat Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:29 pm

  29. Now Bob is the sex police. And a male chauvinist at that.

    Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:29 pm

  30. Is this a carrot for Rep. Ives? lol

    Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:30 pm

  31. They should teach, never sleep with a woman who has more problems than you.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:33 pm

  32. Well, its worked for Brucie–he has abstained from presenting a balanced budget; he has abstained from governing; etc.

    Comment by d.p.gumby Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:34 pm

  33. “===How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois? ===”
    “Well, at least I’m not from Kansas.”

    Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:35 pm

  34. I naively assumed these chauvinistic crazies only lived in other states?
    It is obvious the GOP have no intention of passing a budget. Today, that has become crystal clear.

    Comment by Belle Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:42 pm

  35. ===How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois? ===

    Eastern MO

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:47 pm

  36. Give each teenager a baby that cries non-stop for hours. That should take care of them having unprotected sex.

    Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:50 pm

  37. ===How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois? ===

    I’m from the state with idiot government. That’ll keep them busy guessing.

    Comment by a drop in Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:54 pm

  38. “How do you tell people where you’re from without telling them you’re from Illinois?”
    Just say “It’s not my fault, I voted for the other guy” Applies for all elected officials.

    Comment by Bruce (no not him) Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:56 pm

  39. Illinois already receives federal dollars from the 2016 Title V State Abstinence Education Program Grant Awards

    Published: June 2, 2016

    Illinois $2,769,115

    Comment by Curious Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 1:58 pm

  40. Oh, maybe I was supposed to add “\s” to my comment that got blocked.

    Comment by Lomez Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:00 pm

  41. @ Curious

    I think you’re mixing approp and cash. the $5.6 is spending authority. The $2.7 is cash. So, presumably the 5.6 spending authority allows for the spending of the 2.7

    Comment by TCB Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:10 pm

  42. Oh good grief!!!

    Comment by kygirl73 Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:23 pm

  43. @ Curious, the grant was rescinded on June 13, 2016.

    Comment by Juice Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:28 pm

  44. I agree, let the parents address birth control, safe sex, etc with thief children. Absence should be the primary focus and maybe safe sex should be touched upon but should really be left to the parents.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:30 pm

  45. –What will REALLY create abstinence is showing a tough childbirth and ravages of STDs to the girls. That’ll change a lot of minds.–

    This is what we get when we feed it. Please please please. Ignore it. Do not feed it.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:31 pm

  46. –Give each teenager a baby that cries non-stop for hours. That should take care of them having unprotected sex.–

    I believe that teens these days have an incredible ability to tune out ANYTHING they don’t want to hear. I’m sure every generation of parents have said the same thing. I go into “lecture mode” and the eyes go back into the head and they don’t hear a word. OR automatically and defensively say “I KNOW, I KNOW!” Luckily both my girls went through our churches human sexuality curriculum with another teacher. They listened to her and I’ve heard them using the things they learned, even correcting friends on misinformation. (A proud moment as a parent hearing that).

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:40 pm

  47. =West Indiana?=

    Northern Kentucky? Southern Wisconsin?

    The Midwest?

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 2:54 pm

  48. =The Great Lakes area=?

    =Near the Great Plains=?

    =South of Canada, north of Mexico.= That’s the one lol.

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 3:02 pm

  49. Interesting aside: just six months ago the Governor said that, “After decades of such uncoordinated spending, Illinois residents are sicker and no better educated” and he is putting “a strong new focus on prevention and public health” and going to make “make evidence-based and data driven decisions.” So much for that pledge.

    Comment by Suzanne Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 3:38 pm

  50. “What will REALLY create abstinence is showing a tough childbirth and ravages of STDs to the girls. That’ll change a lot of minds.”

    (Formerly) Illinois Bob, we might need to send you through the sex education program. Unwanted pregnancy is not the sole responsibility of the female. Males also play an important role. I dare say, the female couldn’t even attain an unwanted pregnancy without some contribution from a male.

    Please move into the current century and acknowledge that this is not a “girls” problem only, and the responsibility to protect from unwanted pregnancies in consensual intercourse is not limited to one partner.

    Comment by FAIRNESS AND FAIRNESS ONLY Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 3:41 pm

  51. No reason not to mention abstinence only, but there must be presentations that cost far less.

    Fund quick and accurate testing to enable potential and/or multiple partners to confirm STD status before amour.

    Comment by Katich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 3:48 pm

  52. Can we now name Illinois Bob, West Indiana Bob?

    Comment by Seymourkid Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 3:55 pm

  53. $5.6 Million counterproductive…unless it bought a few R “Yes” votes on the budget compromise.

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 4:01 pm

  54. well let me abstain from this plan. theses plans are notoriously unsuccessful. waste of money.

    Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 4:20 pm

  55. I wonder how many folks in Illinois wish the Governor’s mother knew about abstinence education.

    Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 4:39 pm

  56. Rauner says “yes” to abstinence

    Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 5:50 pm

  57. How much would it cost to show a couple of seasons of Teen Mom? (Seriously — that show is credited with bringing the teen birth rate down significantly.)

    Also — I hate to confuse with the facts there, West Indiana Bob, but the teen birth rate has plummeted since it peaked in — wait for it — 1955. And the percentage of teen girls who say they are sexually active is down significantly since 1988.

    http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/29/why-is-the-teen-birth-rate-falling/

    And about those movies showing difficult births — how many women do you know who stop having sex after giving birth for the first time?

    (Sorry — the troll looked so very hungry….)

    Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 8:30 pm

  58. He said he wanted to be like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Texas. He’s telling you what he’s doing, you just have to believe him.

    Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 10:05 pm

  59. Doesn’t he know how to google a topic? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/13/AR2007041301003.html

    Sheesh

    Comment by Ms. SHEESH Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 11:22 pm

  60. I was teaching in a high school that offered daycare to the unwed teen moms. Then……..the funding for abstinence counseling came through (during George W. administration). Students were lured by free pizza and the classes were packed. I would venture to say it had no impact on the number of pregnant girls since all the excitement was about the Pizza.

    Comment by Ms. SHEESH Wednesday, Jun 29, 16 @ 11:31 pm

Add a comment

Sorry, comments are closed at this time.

Previous Post: Social services implode as middle class shrinks
Next Post: Question of the day


Last 10 posts:

more Posts (Archives)

WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.

powered by WordPress.