UCE Group Meets with Senator Fine

Six of us from the Unitarian Church of Evanston met with IL Senator Laura Fine and her assistant on February 27 to urge action on items identified by the UCE Legislative Advocacy Team. Here are her responses to our requests:

On elder parole, HB 2045, Sen. Fine will support the legislation when it comes to the Senate. She has visited prisons here and in Germany and prefers a rehabilitative system over our punitive system.  

On our requests for more money for immigrant assistance, and more health assistance for immigrants, she agrees on the need but is dealing with a projected state deficit that needs to be closed. She would prefer that federal dollars “follow the person” as they move (or are moved) from state to state. 

On CO2 transport and storage, she has a bill, SB2421, to create regulations on this, but recently environmental groups have urged a moratorium. SB3441 by Sen.Steve McClure proposes a 4 year moratorium, or until regulations can be developed, if sooner. Sen Fine supports that bill as the best next step.

End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB3499): Sen. Fine is co-sponsor of this bill. There are many safeguards built into it to prevent abuse. 

It is helpful create and maintain relationships with our legislators so that our UU values are known!