Each year the month of May brings with it the work of the Illinois Legislature. Much of the work of writing and passing bills takes place when that body convenes each year during this month. For us as citizens of the State of Illinois, and as faithful Catholics, we need to follow the legislative process. 

 

Our input, both in support and at times in opposition to proposals, is a part of engaging the world according to the mind and heart of Christ. This year, there are three major issues about which we need to be very attentive.

 

The first is an issue about which I have written a letter previously. It involves the effort to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. That law, which has been enforced since 2013, requires a parent or legal guardian to be notified by an abortion facility when a minor under the age of 18 seeks an abortion.

 

Now, identical legislation contained in House Bill 1797 and Senate Bill 2190 undermines the natural right of parents and guardians to care for their children and guide them at what is truly a life changing moment for them and for their unborn child.

 

Every state surrounding Illinois requires at least parental notification. The Illinois State Supreme Court unanimously found this law to be constitutional. In conscience we must oppose this further attack on the family and on the sanctity of life and of the family.

 

The second issue involves a proposal by Governor Pritzker regarding the Invest in Kids Act Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This program was enacted in 2018 as a five-year pilot program that offers private school scholarships to students from low-income and working-class families who cannot afford tuition.

 

Governor Pritzker is proposing reducing the tax credit percentage to donors who support low-income students through this program from 75% to 40%. Labeling this tax credit a “corporate loophole”, this change would decimate this program which allows for scholarships for needy students to attend Catholic and other private schools.

 

The reality is that since 2018 there have been over 20,000 scholarships granted and $139 million has been raised. Still, there were over 172,000 families who applied and could not get a scholarship because there was not enough money to fund them. The reality is this program works.

 

This budget proposal by the Governor would limit the educational options for needy kids, including their enrollment in Catholic education. We should not allow politics to take precedence over a program that successfully helps the education of our youth.

 

Finally, we need to be aware of the dangers of proposed Senate Bill 818. That bill deals with both public and private schools and the teaching of what is called comprehensive sex education. According to press reports, that bill would require that such education would have to be “medically accurate” and “culturally appropriate,” the latter being defined in the bill as affirming of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and sexual behavior. 

 

Many Catholic young people of course attend public schools. Our Catholic faith teaches us the understanding of the human person including gender and the use of the gift of sexuality in marriage. Such a bill would once more undermine our convictions of faith and our freedom to teach and practice that faith.

 

I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with these legislative issues, then make your voice heard. Call or write to your state Senator and Representative to urge opposition to these proposals. This is how we witness to Christ in the legislative process. And the State of Illinois needs to hear from us.

 

To find out more and take action on these issues visit the Catholic Conference of Illinois at https://www.ilcatholic.org/take-action/action-center/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns