Rock Island Today

Last week, Representative Dan Swanson voted against Senate Bill 1950, a measure that would permit physician-assisted suicide in Illinois. The bill, which was met with significant opposition from the medical community, was described by Swanson as sending a negative message to vulnerable individuals and opening the door to potential coercion.

Swanson criticized the legislative process, noting that the language of the bill was quickly amended onto an unrelated piece of legislation originally concerning "sanitary food preparation." He highlighted this as an example of non-transparent tactics used during busy legislative sessions.

In addition to opposing the physician-assisted suicide bill, Swanson also stood against two gun control bills passed in recent days. Senate Bill 8 introduces new firearm storage requirements that Swanson argues are unclear and could inadvertently criminalize law-abiding citizens. House Bill 850 aims to address issues with Illinois' "Clear and Present Danger" law but has faced lawsuits over due process concerns.

On a lighter note, Monica Ericson from Geneseo High School served as a Page for a Day in the House of Representatives. Her participation coincided with one of the busiest days at the Capitol.

Swanson announced an upcoming Senior and Veterans Fair on June 18 in Galesburg at The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales. The event will offer health screenings and information about state programs for veterans and seniors. An electronics recycling event will also take place nearby.

In other news, several topics were addressed including unanimous support for an Alpha-gal awareness bill heading to Governor Pritzker's desk, a text scam targeting Illinois drivers, lifted poultry exhibition suspensions by the Department of Agriculture, discussions on handling pennies as they phase out, veteran services in Mercer County, and a new partnership aimed at boosting filmmaking in Quad Cities.