SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is facing backlash on the controversial school funding bill he amendatory vetoed Tuesday. But while the media is focused on that particular hot potato, another one is cooking on the governor's desk, as well.
Will the governor sign into law a bill making every school, hospital, DMV center and nursing home a location where persons illegally residing in America can harbor from law enforcement officials?
SB 31's description says simply stepping onto the grounds or into these Illinois facilities would keep anyone in these facilities from asking whether the persons are in the country legally:
… State-funded schools, including licensed day care centers, pre-schools, and other early learning programs; elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education; State-funded medical treatment and health care facilities, including hospitals, health clinics, emergency or urgent care facilities, nursing homes, group homes for persons with developmental disabilities, community-integrated living arrangements, and State mental health facilities; facilities operated by the Office of the Secretary of State; and circuit courts, State appellate courts, or the Supreme Court …
Signing SB 31 into law would make Illinois the state most open to illegal aliens besides California, the communications director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform told Illinois Review Tuesday.
"Not only would it make Illinois open to those in the country illegally, it could create dangerous situations for the public and add more financial burdens to the state," Dave Ray said. "And isn't the state of Illinois already having financial difficulties?"
Governor Rauner has until the end of August to decide whether to sign SB 31 into law, veto it or not move on it at all. If he does not move on it, it will become law. He has not indicated yet what he intends to do.
The issue was not black and white as it proceeded through the Illinois legislature. Republicans crossed the aisle to join Democrats in both the Illinois House and Senate when considering whether to send the measure to Governor Rauner.
Three downstate House Democrats: Jerry Costello, Michael Halpin and Katie Stuart opposed SB 31 and Democrat Frances Hurley chose not to vote. While the Republican House caucus held together in opposition for the most part, four Republicans chose not to vote at all: Mark Batinick, David Harris, Sheri Jesiel and Grant Wehrli. GOP State Rep. Bob Pritchard voted in support of the measure.
In the Senate's final vote, Republicans helped SB31 obtain a vote indicating the Senate could override a gubernatorial veto. Then-Minority Leader Christine Radogno supported the sanctuary measure, joined by GOP state senators Althoff, McConnaughay, McConchie and Nybo.
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I do not want these “undocumented” illegal bastards hiding out in hospitals, nursing homes, and public schools.
Criminal elements among them must not be allowed to hide out among defenseless, honest people.
What liberal moron would think this is “OK?”
What part of illegal is so hard to understand ? This isn’t a backyard game of tag ! Send them home and they can come back and go through the proper procedures like most Immigrants do . This is a problem created by bleeding hearts to get votes ……
He needs to veto SB31, we do not need to be protecting illegals, there should be no sanctuary cities or places..
Please, somebody, primary Bob Pritchard. We can retire the Democrat.
Hopefully, the President cuts funding off from this state until this state complies with the national union, like is written on the state flag.
The Vote of the Cullerton and Madigan families is not for the best interest of people living in Illinois.
God Bless Illinois
Carl Lambrecht
I think they should build a beautiful high rise in Lincoln Park or Wrigley Ville to house all of the illegals. I’m sure all of the local residents would welcome them into their neighborhoods and schools!
I might agree with this IF they add their own homes to this list of sanctuaries, and accept a percentage of illegals to occupy a room or two.
Look at all the good Republicans who voted Yes.
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2017/08/02/the-swamps-biggest-willful-blindness-republicans-dont-need-democrats-to-fund-southern-border-wall/#more-136649
SB31 must be vetoed! Illegal aliens are not above the law and should not be given special rights
The state of Illinois aids and abets criminals, what else would you expect from the organized crime called the democrat controlled Illinois state govt.
It just occurred to me, aren’t Illinois employers required to ask if you are an American citizen??
AGREED. Pritchard represents part of western Kane County, and GOP voters there want him GONE!
In fairness to Dan McConchie, my state Senator, here is his response to everyone in inquired about his vote.
McConchie Statement on “Sanctuary State” Bill
For Immediate Release August 3, 2017
Springfield, IL… State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) releases the following statement addressing concerns regarding Senate Bill 31, the “sanctuary state” bill:
“A last minute amendment to the bill attempted to address the concerns of law enforcement groups, whose primary concern is public safety, but fell short.
“I agree with law enforcement that public safety is of utmost importance. We want everyone to come forward and assist when they are a witness to a violent crime or call the fire department when their apartment building is on fire.
“Law enforcement stated that the last minute changes to the bill gave them the flexibility to assist in federal immigration issues whenever it did not affect public safety. However, the final list of locations where law enforcement cannot go goes beyond the public safety charge. I encourage the Governor to use his amendatory veto authority and change the bill to better reflect the concerns that law enforcement groups have outlined.”