Week of March 10, 2008

    I want to start by thanking those of you that contacted me with feedback on the issues I presented in last week’s article. The overwhelming majority of the correspondence I received showed opposition to the idea of the demolition of Cole Hall, the site of the shooting that took place on the campus of Northern Illinois University on Valentine’s Day. Public opposition to this plan is not exclusive to the people of the 109th district, as it appears the parties initially involved in making the proposal have begun backing away from the idea.

    I think everyone can agree that something must be done to memorialize those who lost their lives so needlessly on that tragic day, but it is clear that tearing down a perfectly usable facility and replacing it with a $40 million classroom building is not an idea that the public will support. The response I received from you on this issue also indicates that people understand the fiscal crisis our state faces as a result of years of failed leadership and out of control spending. Many mentioned that we cannot begin to afford this expense. I will continue to be open to responsible ways of dealing with our budget deficit and I encourage you to continue to contact me with your ideas.

    During last week’s session, several pieces of legislation were brought to the House floor for consideration as the deadline to pass bills out of committee looms. I led the effort to defeat HB 4314, a measure that would have changed current law that requires school administrators to be notified that a student attending their school is infected with HIV/AIDS. The measure’s sponsor contended the disclosure of such information can cause students to be ostracized or embarrassed while I argued that children in our schools would be far less safe if the legislation were to move forward. In the end, the bill was soundly defeated with 65 “No” votes. The disclosure of information relating to students infected with HIV/AIDS to school officials will continue.

    A controversial bill regarding the ratification of the Federal Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) could be called for a vote this week. Supporters of HJRCA 2 argue the ratification of the ERA would guarantee men and women equal access to government supported education programs, government jobs and contracts. The ERA also forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation. I have heard from several of you on this issue already and I am opposed to the ratification of this amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I do not believe government should subsidize abortion and I believe that marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. Ratification of the ERA would mean that Illinois supports the idea of both of these untenable principles. If the legislation is brought before the House, I will vote “NO”.

    HB 4232 is also likely to be called for a vote this week. The bill establishes a Nomination Panel to provide a list of nominees to the Governor for appointment to the State Board of Education. Currently, the Governor has sole power in appointing members of the State Board of Education. Many people in Illinois feel as though Governor Blagojevich has turned the current State Board into a public relations arm of the Governor’s office rather than an independent agency with the purpose of advancing the cause of public education for students in Illinois’ schools. The bill, which I support, provides that members of the Nomination Panel must be appointed by majority vote of the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State. It also provides that candidates for nomination to the State Board may apply or be nominated and it requires the Nomination Panel to recommend 27 nominees for appointment to the State Board. Additionally, the law would provide that the Governor may choose appointees only from these nominations, and, after reviewing the nominations, the Governor may select 9 nominees, including the chairperson, for appointment to the State Board, to be confirmed by the Senate.

    None of the gun bills that were mentioned in last week’s article were called for a vote this past week. If they are, I will oppose any attempt to restrict Second Amendment rights. The correspondence I received regarding this issue overwhelmingly supports maintenance of these rights.

    As session moves forward, I encourage you to continue to share your thoughts on these issues as well as others that are of importance to you. Check my website www.peopleforeddy.com for important news updates and e-mail me at reddyunit1@aol.com with your questions, comments, and concerns.