Statement
Kenneth Printen, M.D.
President, Illinois State Medical Society
May 28, 2004
We are encouraged that a substantial bipartisan majority of our state representatives last night defeated SB 2241, a harmful bill that did not address the core problem: a faulty legal system. This bill would have exacerbated the crisis by allowing more unwarranted lawsuits and by actually increasing premiums for three-quarters of the physicians in this state.
One bill contains true reform: HB 4847. Currently before the Senate Executive Committee, it is cosponsored by five Senate Democrats who would be joined by at least 26 Senate Republican supporters of this legislation. If called for a vote, it would clearly pass the Illinois Senate. Likewise, it would pass the Illinois House, since 18 House Democrats have co-sponsored identical legislation in that chamber.
We hope that legislative leaders in Springfield understand the urgent need to consider and pass this legislation.
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