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Medical malpractice games mark new low
No one should be surprised when political games are played at the state capital in Springfield. It's a way of life.
But the manipulations, and outright misleading statements, by Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, last week represent a new low, if that's possible.
Jones had promised for days that the Senate Judiciary Committee would take a vote on several bills aimed at solving the state's medical malpractice issue. The Judiciary Committee had held hearings on the bills and promised votes had been delayed at least twice.
Then last week, Jones suddenly moved all of the bills to the Senate Executive Committee that he controls. Critics cried foul, but there wasn't much they could do.
Jones' maneuver came on the last day before the legislature's two-week spring break - when legislators get a longer spring break than the college kids you know something's wrong - and no hearings on the issues have been scheduled before the executive committee.
Jones said the move was necessary because the Judiciary Committee hadn't arrived at a package that would be approved. "We haven't accomplished anything coming together that we can support, so therefore I believe that the executive committee will do a much better job of bringing everyone together and not concern themselves about the lawyers but what's in the best interest of the people of Illinois," Jones said.
A more accurate assessment: Jones was afraid that the proposals, which include caps on jury awards for non-economic damages, would actually be approved by the Judiciary Committee and the Senate. He moved the bills to the executive committee so they can die, or be altered, there. History tells us the Democrats in Springfield, all the way up to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, are more concerned about the lawyers than about doctors or patients.
Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, said his cap bill had a good chance of passing the Judiciary Committee and the Senate before being reassigned. "I understand that in this chamber, both sides play games," Luechtefeld said. "It became apparent that if it passed this committee, it would also pass by, probably, a pretty large percentage in this body, and there are people that don't want that to happen."
Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, said all members of the Senate should be embarrassed by the chamber's conduct. Certainly the citizens of Illinois should be embarrassed.
But Jones insists his executive committee will do a better job fashioning an agreement that will keep doctors from leaving Illinois.
It's more likely Jones will use the executive committee to fashion no agreement or one more suitable to him and the trial attorneys who support his party.
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