Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) has joined a growing list of Republicans pulling their support from Gov. Bruce Rauner's re-election bid after the governor signed legislation that expands funding for abortion coverage.
Bivins, who represents the 45th District, said in a statement that Rauner – months prior to the signing in late September – promised about two dozen lawmakers that he would veto the bill, which allows women to use Medicaid to cover abortions beyond cases of rape, incest or if the mother's health is in danger.
“Today, he said he had to stand by what he believes is the right thing to do," Bivins said in a statement. "Today, I will also stand on what I believe is the right thing to do. I will not support this governor for re-election."
Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon)
In February, Bivins filed and co-sponsored Senate Bill 1595, the Pregnancy Help Center Referral Act, which would make it a requirement that a doctor give a pregnant patient contact information on nearby facilities that give assistance in pregnancies and do not perform or refer patients for abortions. The bill was re-referred to the Assignment Committee in April.
Counties that are part of the 45th District include parts or all of Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago.
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