Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham Administrative Committee met Monday and announced a resolution opposing SB1950, the Medical Aid in Dying law.
Josh Douthit read the entire resolution for the record, stating that the Committee is encouraging local providers to opt out of the law. Two local residents spoke on the resolution, one in favor, one against. Valerie Kemme, who spoke in favor, mentioned that help is available for those cases instead, and the safety concerns surrounding the pill is a problem. Maryanne Hoeflinger, who spoke in opposition to the resolution, stated that she understands the law will need to be amended, but said the decision should not be based on religious beliefs. She said she personally witnessed painful terminal illness, and said end of life care is not adequate. She also stated she doesn’t believe it is the Board’s place to take a stand with this resolution, also stating that everyone deserves a right to privacy. She later said that a better alternative could be to encourage Representative Mike Bost and the National congress to fully fund the 988 hotline for suicide once again, as funding was cut in the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
The Committee ultimately approved the resolution, sending it to the full board.
The Committee announced that $83k is left in the opioid fund, and member Josh Douthit announced a new ordinance for small subdivision upkeep and appearance requirements. They will look more into this and bring it back at the next meeting. Josh and State’s Attorney Aaron Jones said this ordinance was mirrored from another county.
The Committee also announced March as sexual Assault Awareness Month, stated that an overpayment on local video gaming taxes will be recouped on the next payment, and the remaining ARPA funding will be used for a rotting tree by the new Courthouse Pavilion. Michael Bowman was approved for the Edgewood Bi-County Fire Protection District, and the Board heard updates from the Health Department, 708 Board, and a UCCI Meeting.
You can find the video of the entire meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4iTijipBdk
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