Illinois Democrats Head to Springfield Ready to Fight Trump Even Harder in Second Term
Renewed Sense of Urgency
Illinois lawmakers head back to Springfield next week with a renewed sense of urgency to potentially lock in some of the state’s progressive policies that could face threats under a second term for Republican President-elect Donald Trump.
Protecting Abortion Rights
Leaders of the state Legislature’s Democratic supermajorities say they could advance additional protections for abortion rights, which could be vulnerable as Trump returns to Washington, potentially with the GOP controlling both the House and Senate. Illinois has become a growing destination for people from other states seeking abortions since a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, prompting a wave of statewide bans on the medical procedure.
Conversations Underway
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, told the Sun-Times that “conversations are still happening” about potentially pushing for a state constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights. The speaker also pointed to the Democratic-led General Assembly’s track record on environmental legislation, including the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that aims to phase out fossil fuel energy sources in the state by 2050.
Environmental Protection
Trump has vowed to roll back some federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations, which could end up leaving Illinois without clean air and water protections if the state doesn’t act. Welch said “we have an energy group that is actively having conversations right now” about potentially advancing additional environmental legislation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Welch also highlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion measures, saying that “those things are very much at risk with Trump in the Oval Office, and the Supreme Court giving him unchecked authority to do the things that he wants to do.” He emphasized that the state’s Democratic lawmakers will continue to “fight Trump even harder in a second term than we did in his first term.”
Lame-Duck Session
Lawmakers will also have a lame-duck session in Springfield prior to Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said in a statement that “voters are tired of politicians fighting with each other. What they want is for us to fight for them, and that’s what the Senate Democrats will keep doing.”
Legislative Priorities
At a Thursday news conference, Gov. JB Pritzker said his staff is compiling a list of legislative priorities heading into a second Trump administration, including reproductive rights and health care access. Trump has said he wants to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Conclusion
As the state’s Democratic lawmakers head back to Springfield, they are determined to protect the rights and protections of Illinoisans from potential threats under a second Trump administration. With a renewed sense of urgency, they are working to advance progressive policies and ensure that the state remains a beacon for progressive values.
FAQs
Q: What are the top legislative priorities for Illinois Democrats heading into a second Trump administration?
A: Reproductive rights, health care access, environmental protection, and diversity, equity, and inclusion measures are among the top priorities.
Q: What is the current status of abortion rights in Illinois?
A: Illinois has become a growing destination for people from other states seeking abortions since a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Q: What is the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and what does it aim to achieve?
A: The 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act aims to phase out fossil fuel energy sources in the state by 2050.
Q: What is the lame-duck session, and when will it take place?
A: The lame-duck session will take place prior to Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
