SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he would call a special session of the General Assembly to discuss further trying to protect what he says is someone’s right to have an abortion in Illinois, in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe versus Wade.
But, Pritzker told reporters at the Illinois State Fair, it’s still not happening yet.
“The working groups are hard at work in the House of Representatives, working on various aspects of legislation — working with advocates, listening to them,” said Pritzker. “We’re cautiously optimistic that they will be able to come up with ideas for us to be able to bring forward in a special session, or in veto session.”
A veto session would be in the fall.
It’s also possible any abortion-related ideas — or ones related to a ban on assault weapons, which Pritzker also wants — could wait until the spring, when less votes are needed for passage.
“In the current time period it requires to get something done, you really have to get a super-majority of legislators voting for something,” said Pritzker. “In the new session in January, fewer. So, the question is, can they come up with a compromise, or bills that will meet my requirements, that could get done before the new session? And, that’s what I’m looking for.”
On an unrelated note, Wednesday is Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield — or, the day when Illinois Democrats rally. That’s soon followed by Republican Day.
