Update on Illinois Covered

In a test vote on May 31, the Illinois Senate fell one vote short of the 30 votes needed to pass Senate Bill 5, Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s health-care-for-all proposal, Illinois Covered. Eight Democratic senators and all Republican senators either voted against the bill or voted “present,” which has the same effect as voting against the bill. The eight Democratic senators who voted against or present were Senators Michael Bond, Mike Frerichs, Linda Holmes, Mike Jacobs, Dan Kotowski, Antonio Muñoz, John M. Sullivan, and Louis S. Viverito.

May 31 was an important deadline since the Illinois Constitution requires that any bill passed after May 31 may not become effective before June 1 of the next calendar year unless the General Assembly provides for an earlier effective date by a three-fifths vote of each house. Thus, if one senator switches his or her vote and Senate Bill 5 passes the Senate by a simple majority of 30 votes and then passes the House, the bill would not take effect until June 1, 2008. Seven senators would have to switch their votes to obtain the three-fifths majority required for an earlier effective date.

The fight for affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care for all Illinoisans is far from over. Governor Blagojevich and Senate Pres. Emil Jones continue to place Illinois Covered at the top of their legislative agendas. And it is not only Illinois’s political leaders who want to see change: recent poll results show that health care is the top concern of Illinois residents and businesses. According to a recent Northern Illinois University policy survey, 76 percent of Illinoisans believe that the health care system in the United States is either in a state of crisis or experiencing major problems. According to Citizen Action Illinois, 85 percent of Illinois residents describe health care as being “too expensive and unaffordable,” and something they consider to be an “extremely serious problem.” Nationally, according to Families USA, 63 percent of Americans say universal health insurance is necessary even if it requires tax increases.

Achieving affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care for all Illinoisans requires a great deal of public support. Now more than ever, your state senators and representatives need to hear from you that health care reform is a top priority for you. Particular emphasis should be placed on the eight Democratic senators who do not yet support Senate Bill 5.

To learn more about Illinois Covered and how to become involved, click here.