Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 40 into law on Thursday, expanding taxpayer funding of abortions in Illinois. The decision left many surprised given the governor’s position in April to not support the bill.
“I understand abortion is a very emotional issue with passionate opinions on both sides,” Rauner said in a press release. “I sincerely respect those who believe abortion is morally wrong. They are good people motivated by principle.”
Rauner went on to say that he ultimately believes a woman should have the right to decide whether abortion is the best decision for her and should not be denied that choice because she is poor.
Kane County Reporter reached out to Rep. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) to get his take on the new law.
Q: Were you surprised that Rauner signed HB40?
I would have to say that I was extremely disappointed. I had personally sent an email to him asking him to veto the bill. I would not say that I was surprised because his wife has been, I’m sure, pressuring him severely to sign the bill, but I was extremely disappointed that he yielded to that.
Q: Do you think signing the bill was the right move for Illinoisans?
I do not think, obviously, that is was the right move for Illinois. Illinois is in deep financial stress. To add one more set of payments to an unbalanced budget and severe unpaid bills is just the wrong thing for Illinois.
Q: Are you concerned about the cost to taxpayers?
I’m very concerned with the cost to taxpayers especially in view of the fact that you are now asking taxpayers to have their money spent on something that many, let’s say approximately half of the population is morally opposed to. So, I think it’s just absolutely the wrong thing that he could possibly have done.
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