Illinois Senate Approves Governor’s Health Care Bill

Illinois Senate Approves Governor’s Health Care Bill in Politics and Legislation

In a fully partisan vote yesterday, the Democrat-controlled Illinois state Senate approved the health care expansion bill from Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The bill would allow hundreds of thousands to buy into the state’s health insurance plan for low-income residents.

Under the new proposal, families earning up to $84,000 a year would qualify for the state-subsidized plan.

“This is a pared down, small program, and it’s going to help the citizens that need the help,” said state Senator Terry Link.

In the first year of the plan, some legislators in support of the bill estimate it will cost the state around $43 million. But opponents say expanding coverage would cost upwards of $300 million every year, reported the Chicago Daily Herald.

The bill, proposed by Democratic Governor Blagojevich a few months ago, was widely rejected by Republicans. Every GOP Senator voted against the measure, arguing the bill was fiscally irresponsible.

“When [a family] is making $85,000 a year don’t they have some personal responsibilities to take care of themselves and provide for their family? Does the government have to do everything for them?” questioned state Senator Frank Watson.

But Democrats have a stronghold in the Senate and rallied behind the governor to easily pass the bill.

“We cannot wait for the federal government to keep talking and saying they’re going to do something,” added Senator Link.

The bill will now head to the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.

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