* Keep in mind before going further that Illinois limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.
Not saying, just saying, but here’s the SJ-R on March 8…
An advisory question, asking whether parents should have to grant approval for their children to receive gender-affirming care, could be added to the ballot.
“Shall the written consent from a minor’s parent or guardian be required before any entity, person, clinic or school can provide a minor (under the age of 18 years) any non-emergency medical procedure, medication, pharmaceutical, or any gender modification procedure, gender identification counseling or gender therapy?,” the question reads.
Advocates were in Springfield [in February], collecting signatures and discussing the referendum. The push has the backing of the far-right Illinois Freedom Caucus and former gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives.
Another proponent is Illinois House District 96 Republican candidate Dr. Lisa Smith, who will face state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, in November.
“I do not want anyone making health decisions for any of my children without me being involved,” she said, previously losing to Scherer in 2022.
* Synopsis of House Amendment 2 for SB2412, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman…
Creates the Election Worker Protection and Candidate Accountability Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?”
Creates the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?”
Creates the Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?” Requires immediate certification by the State Board of Elections of the advisory questions of public policy created by these new Acts.
Again, not saying, just saying, but if the General Assembly puts three questions on the statewide ballot, it would crowd out everything else.
It’s just a bill, of course, but what are your thoughts on these proposals?
…Adding… As the House was preparing to take up Leader Hoffman’s bill, the Republicans asked for a one-hour caucus.
…Addding…The House passed the bill 67-4-40.
- Blazzzer - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:44 pm:
Dems’ GOTV bill for November
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:45 pm:
The 1st one seems like a solution in search of a problem. But I guess that’s not the point. Shows the Freedom Caucus is rolling up their sleeves and tackling the urgent problems facing this state. Clown show.
- RNUG - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:46 pm:
Some people will disagree, but I believe as long as the child is a dependent, i.e. under age 18 and not legally an emancipated adult, then the parents / guardians should have input to just about everything in the legal / financial / medical areas.
And yes, I recognize there should be exemptions in cases of child abuse.
- Just Me 2 - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:46 pm:
What is the problem that the advisory referendum seeks to solve? Are kids getting radical surgeries right now without parental consent? A teenager needs parental permission to get their ears pierced for crying out loud.
- Trap - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:50 pm:
Raw corrupt abuse of political power.
- Professor Ath - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:55 pm:
Any member of the General Assembly who votes for election worker protections before Senate President Harmony’s Illinois Supreme Court PAC pays its huge outstanding fine to the State Board of Elections is not playing with a full deck.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 12:57 pm:
I strongly support the Election Worker Protection and Candidate Accountability Referendum Act. It was a problem before January 6th and is likely 10 times worse now.
- Unionman - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 1:23 pm:
Can I suggest a “Pickup your lawn signs after election Act” referendum as well.
- AnonMom - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 1:26 pm:
I’m the parent of a trans teen (under 18) and can personally vouch that both parents had to sign consent before any gender-affirming medical treatment could occur.
- Norseman - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 1:59 pm:
I don’t accept any description of parental rights bills from MAGA politicians. It’s standard operation for them to word these initiatives to restrict the rights of parents who don’t agree with their beliefs. This is not a problem and doesn’t need to be addressed by new laws, especially bigoted laws.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 2:08 pm:
I agree with both RNUG and Norseman. Maybe contradictory, but I don’t think so. Hospitals and clinics usually want to be paid for this very expensive care, that requires insurance and authorization. This is not a real problem.
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 5:00 pm:
Agree with JS, Norseman, etc–there is no evidence there is an issue here so why have a vote.
- Aaron B - Wednesday, May 1, 24 @ 6:48 pm:
Interesting that “Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum Act” question. Have there been any projections published about how much extra tax money that would generate to offset property tax relief? I can’t imagine it will do all that much for those of us outside of Cook and the collar counties. I’d be cool with changing the extra tax threshold down to more like $500,000 (or even lower). If we can’t get a true graduated income tax then we may as well skim some extra off the highest earners.
- Anonish - Thursday, May 2, 24 @ 9:31 am:
We should ask Pat Quinn how statewide questions help with winning elections
- Motambe - Thursday, May 2, 24 @ 7:40 pm:
Hoffman’s activities this week have resurrected the nick names he is called by the opposition and even independents in the Metro-East.