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It’s just a bill, Raquel Martin edition

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Illinois

In honor of Equal Pay Day, women took to the Capitol to fight a decades-old battle for equal wages.

They say women deserve equality under the law and they’re calling on lawmakers to rise up and join the movement. One major way is by adopting the Equal Rights Amendment, found in the U.S. Constitution.

Simply put, the amendment protects someone from being discriminated against on the basis of gender and ensures equal rights for men and women.

Since it passed Congress in the 70’s, 37 states have adopted it. Illinois is not one of them. In fact, it’s the only northern state which hasn’t done so.

It takes 38 states for an amendment to become part of the Constitution. That’s why, Tuesday, women’s rights’ advocates were pushing for Illinois to be the final piece of the puzzle.

* Raquel Martin…

Dozens went to the Capitol Tuesday to call on lawmakers to put children first.

Several child advocacy groups met with lawmakers for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. They say they want full funding for programs like childcare and early childhood education.

The governor’s budget would slash childcare assistance funding by $96 million. Some say it’s unfair. Enrollment for childcare has dropped since Governor Bruce Rauner changed eligibility requirements.

* Raquel Martin…

Sometimes, taking daily medication is a matter of life or death. But, some healthcare providers are taking advantage of that and putting lives in danger.

Now, lawmakers are tackling the problem from all angles. One bill would stop insurers from switching drugs offered in a patient’s plan.

Several healthcare professionals who support the move say “bait and switch” is unfair and unhealthy. They say, when people sign up for healthcare plans, they should get exactly the drugs their bodies need and already rely on.

Monday, the idea came to a committee hearing, but not without some backlash. Business groups say the change could hike prices for employers.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 1:27 pm

Comments

Yes I can see how insurers are vulnerable to the likes of “Pharma bro” Martin Shkrelli and Valeant who quadruple the cost of medicine. What can be done?

Comment by Radio Flyer Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 1:38 pm
So this is all symbolic right? The ratification deadline on the ERA passed more than 30 years ago, and there already are state laws against gender discrimination.

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 1:39 pm
That’s what you call phoning it in.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 1:49 pm
Remember, Martin Shkrelli didn’t go to prison for screwing sick people by making their medicine too expensive. That was and is perfectly legal. He went to prison for cheating wealthy investors.

Comment by Incognito Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 1:51 pm
The SCOTUS has upheld deadlines for constitutional amendments to achieve ratification. So how can they use ratifications from the 1970s to amend the Constitution today?

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 2:51 pm
Question: Does the governor have to sign it if the ERA is passed by the GA?

If the answer is yes, I can’t see Madigan bringing this to a vote.

Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 2:51 pm
According to the SJ-R, the state employees insurance plans would be exempt from this proposed bill. So, again, the state employees health care needs don’t count?

Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 3:08 pm
Perrid — advocates argue that Congress’ deadline to ratify the ERA is unconstitutional (or something like that). Also, several states withdrew ratification, so the actual number is not 37.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 3:09 pm
I just learned about the “Three-state strategy” they are going to use and try and pass it.

http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/ratification.htm

Comment by ste_with a v_en Wednesday, Apr 11, 18 @ 5:21 pm