Righter: “Do Not Call” list should include candidates
Springfield, Illinois—For weeks Illinois voters have been bombarded with political calls directed to persuade them to cast a ballot for one person or against another. State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) has heard the complaints of constituents tired of answering the phoneonly to hear a prerecorded message and intends to introduce two pieces of legislation to address this issue.
A “Do Not Call” list already exists in Illinois to allow residents to prevent calls from telemarketers. Senator Righter’s legislation will allow citizens the option of joining a “Do Not Call” list that includes candidates running for public office. Under Righter’s proposal, if a candidates’ campaign calls someone on the “Do Not Call” list, the campaign from which the call originated would face a fine.
“I’ve taken calls from every corner of my district concerning the oppressive number of recorded calls they have received prior to the Primary Election. Voters should have the opportunity to opt out of them,” stated Senator Righter.
Another proposal Senator Righter believes will assist in reducing the glut of last minute calls citizens receive is to the change the date of the primary election. Currently the primary election falls on the first Tuesday in February. Senator Righter’s legislation will seek to move the date of primary election to the last Tuesday in May.
“For years Springfield has designed a primary election process that best suits those who are running for office. It is time for reform that puts that emphasis on what is best for the voters,” said Senator Righter.
According to Senator Righter, by moving the primary election back three months it will allow more time for face to face campaigning and likely reduce the costs associated with General Election campaigns.
“The current compressed election schedule creates an environment in which candidates are scrambling to reach as many voters as possible in a short amount of time; a May primary election would allow candidates to better connect with more voters,” explained Senator Righter.
Both election reform bills will be introduced in the Illinois Senate as the General Assembly reconvenes this spring.
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Senate Week in Review: January 25 – 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2010
SPRINGFIELD – One year ago, history was made in Illinois when an Illinois Senate Tribunal voted to make Governor Rod Blagojevich the first Illinois governor to be impeached and removed from office.
State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon)said that although many hoped the former governor’s removal would make way for positive change in Illinois, unfortunately the state continues to suffer due to the ongoing impact of Blagojevich’s poor choices, coupled with continued lack of leadership and fiscal mismanagement.
In fact, the state’s situation is as bad or worse as it was when Blagojevich left office. Illinois still boasts massive state debt and a budget crisis that has placed state services in jeopardy. Additionally, Governor Pat Quinn has come under fire for continuing to employ many of the Blagojevich administration’s top employees and for retaining, and in some cases expanding, most of the former governor’s programs, some of which played a role in his removal from office.
Springfield, Ill. – Lawmakers began the 2010 legislative session this week with the governor’s annual State of the State address, and wrapped up the week by approving measures that State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said will impose more regulations on Illinois cemeteries and possibly change education assessment tools in Illinois.
Some lawmakers were disappointed by Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State message, which primarily focused on a laundry list of first-year accomplishments. Senator Righter said that while it’s not unreasonable for the Governor to talk about what he views as positive in Illinois, clearly some were anticipating more details.
While Quinn did outline intentions to create jobs and rebuild Illinois’ economy, he provided few specifics on how he plans to accomplish that goal aside from once again plugging a tax increase.
Righter legislation which assures uniformity in all Illinois health insurances’ appeal process signed into law
Springfield, Illinois—Legislation to overhaul the appeal process of health insurance claims was signed into law this week. One of the legislation’s sponsors State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) explained that the legislation now mandates that all Illinois regulated health insurance policies will now have uniform processes for internal and external appeals to a health insurance claim.
The newly signed legislation creates an internal and an independent external appeals process substantially similar to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model legislation. Current Illinois law only requires an HMO health plan to provide internal or external appeals. While many health insurers provide an internal and an external appeals process, this new law assures that all Illinois-regulated health plans will meet NAIC uniform standards for providing such processes.
“Clearly, every patient should have the right to an appeal process for their health insurance regardless of if they are a part of an HMO or not,” said Senator Righter. “And to the industry’s credit, it recognizes that. This legislation calls for a swift, thorough process of appeals, both internal and external, for all Illinois regulated health plans.”
According to Senator Righter, the passage of this legislation was a bi-partisan effort.He worked closely with sponsor State Senator Heather Steans (D- Chicago) to ensure that the legislation was truly encompassed all areas necessary to ensure that no patients would be left out of the appeals process.
“When you have leadership that is determined for a fair and balanced process, the system improves,” stated Senator Righter. “This bill is a great example of that principle.”
