Thursday, April 3, 2008

Twists and Turns of IL HB 4623

Illinois Open learned of the impending introduction of IL HB 4623 by State Rep Sara Feigenholtz by reading about it in the Chicago Tribune. What type of State Rep would not notify Illinois Open when she is well aware of the organization's existence?

A letter by Melisha Mitchell was sent out to many, including myself. She referred to the Bill as one that many have longed for. It's more like a nightmare. Melisha admitted in her letter that it is not a "pure" OBC access bill. She said that the Bill is "imperfect". What dream is not "pure" and is imperfect? Dreams to me have always been something that would be really good - the perfect answer to a wish or need. IL HB 4623 is anything but.

3 comments:

Grannie Annie said...

it's called flying under the radar, Mary. Or here in Illinois, it's called using a shell bill.

This is almost an empty bill filed during the given time period. That shell bill has a number & it just sits there, and any time the rep is ready, usually right before the final deadline, he/she can ressurect the shell bill, change the text to the one they want, and since it's already been filed, the bill moves right into committee for a vote. Now you see it, now you don't. And HB 4623 went straight to The Adoption Reform Committee, chaired by none other than Rep. Feigenholtz. It was heard and voted upon all in one day.

Shell bills are used frequently, according to the League of IL women voters. They are always used for controversial issues that the pols don't want the citizens to know about until it's too late to do anything about them.

That's how we get things done in Illinois. Honest Abe is probably rolling in his grave.
Anita

Mary Lynn Fuller said...

Thank you, Anita! People need to hear about what shell bills are about. Feigenholtz continues to be just as sneaky as can be. She talks big about being for adoption reform but her actions say differently.

Marley Greiner said...

And as Steve White says, SF gets it, she just doesn't want it!

So, what's the point. She and Melisha Mitchell playing with people. Maybe that IS the point!