Letters to the Editor
Letter: No room for error in fundamental rights
State government bureaucracy doesn’t have a great reputation for efficiency, but in recent months we’ve seen lapses in the administration of state government that are unacceptable. When it comes to our most basic rights, like the right to keep and bear arms or the most sacred institutions – like free and fair elections – there is no room for error.
Lawmakers recently learned that the Secretary of State’s office accidentally registered 574 self-identified non-citizens to vote through Illinois’ Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) program. Of those, 545 completed the registration process, and we now know that at least one non-citizen voted in an Illinois election after being registered in error.
In addition to these wrongful registrations, we also learned that state election officials had to intervene and halt the automatic registration of 4,700 16-year-olds whose information was wrongly sent to the State Board of Elections by the Secretary of State’s office. Nowhere in our laws do we allow 16-year-olds to vote. Furthermore, through an investigation, we now know that not only are there issues with the AVR program itself, but AVR is being implemented outside of the lawful process that requires legislative approval of agency rules.
I have called for the temporary suspension of AVR until we get answers and until all issues are rectified. These calls were rejected. These are unacceptable errors. When it comes to our sacred right to free and fair elections, there should be zero margin for error.
Illinoisans are also experiencing serious problems with the State Police’s issuance and renewals of FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL). Lengthy delays, including some that mean lawful gun owners’ cards and licenses expire before new ones are issued, represent an infringement on Second Amendment rights. I hear regularly from frustrated constituents who have tried everything to renew, apply, or get an update on their case, and fear they will fall out of compliance with the law if their cards and licenses are not renewed within a reasonable timeframe.
The delays with FOID card and CCL renewals appear to be an issue of staffing resources. The State Police is simply unable to accommodate the volume of renewals they are receiving. Funds earmarked for the FOID and CCL system should provide for the hiring of additional staff, but unfortunately these funds have been the target of fund sweeps and inter-fund borrowing. What’s worse is that the democratic majority is doubling down on this failed process by rejecting Republican calls to repeal the FOID and by proposing increasing fees for FOID.
This year I am sponsoring legislation that seeks to lock down these FOID and CCL funds in much the same way that transportation dollars are locked down. That means politicians can’t use these funds for other purposes – when you pay FOID and CCL fees, they will go straight to the State Police to issue and renew these licenses. It is inexcusable that lawful Illinoisans are having Constitutionally-guaranteed rights infringed upon while funds that could be used to ensure gun owners’ compliance with laws are channeled toward other budget areas.
Taxpayers deserve to know their tax dollars are used appropriately and in a manner that allows for the efficient delivery of services. Especially when it comes to our most basic rights, like free and fair elections and our right to keep and bear arms, a 0% margin for error is not too much to ask.
State Representative Avery Bourne
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
Comments
Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
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