 Legislators approved a measure sparked by former Gov. Rod
Blagojevich's practice of putting his name on state road signs, as
well as a proposal changing the written description of the
developmentally disabled in Illinois laws.Public service ads
The former governor's tagging of tollway signs
prompted legislation that would ban any future governor or lawmaker
from printing their name on state highway signs.
Senate Bill 1344 would bar state lawmakers and constitutional
officials from promoting state programs with their names, images or
voices on billboards or electronic message boards. It would expand
the existing law, which prohibits public service announcements on
radio and television, as well as in commercial newspapers or
magazines.
State Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, saw a potential problem with
the plan. He said some Chicago lawmakers may want to promote
awareness for breast cancer screening.
"What you want to do by your bill today is make that type of
action or that type of outreach illegal," he said.
Chief sponsor state Rep. Chris Nybo, R-Elmhurst, said he doesn't
see why lawmakers need to attach their names and images to state
programs.
"Let's promote the programs, but let's not promote the politicians,"
Nybo said.
Blagojevich plastered his name on open-road tolling signs in time
for his 2006 re-election campaign. Gov. Pat Quinn removed
Blagojevich's name shortly after assuming office in 2009, following
the former governor's legislative impeachment and removal from
office. Blagojevich is on trial for the second time for federal
corruption charges.
Nybo called the practice an inappropriate use of state resources.
State Rep. Chad Hays, R-Catlin, said the legislation will help to
encourage ethical behavior among lawmakers.
"This notion that somehow we need an elected official with their
face or their quote on a billboard for something that is, in fact, in
the best interest of everyone is silly," Hays said.
House lawmakers voted 91-19 to send the plan to Quinn for
consideration.
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"Intellectual disability"
The terms "mental retardation" and "crippled" soon may be deemed
taboo as definitions to describe mental health and developmental
disabilities under Illinois statute.
Senate Bill 1833 would change "mental retardation" and "mentally
retarded person" to "intellectual disability," and "intellectually
disabled person." It also would remove "crippled" and "crippling,"
replacing it with the terms "physically disabled" and "physical
disabling."
State Rep. Emily McAsey, D-Lockport, is chief sponsor of the plan.
"I urge the support of the members of this body to make our state
more inclusive and remove hurtful terminology from our state
statutes," she said.
House lawmakers unanimously approved the plan, and it now awaits
action from the governor. The plan unanimously cleared the Senate
last month.
Co-sponsor state Rep. Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale, said the plan
would help to give respect to those with disabilities.
"I am a big proponent and advocate of people with disabilities,"
she said. "And I think this is bringing the terms that was used with
disabilities out of the Middle Ages."
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By DIANE S.W. LEE]
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