Elected Officials Impact

Vetoes/signs legislation proposed by the General Assembly. Often determines whether a bill becomes law.
Amendatory veto can alter a bill significantly as the Governor has the power to essentially re-write legislation.
Sets budget priorities with funding for sexuality education programs, family planning, STD screening, etc.
Uses lobbying skills and lobbyists on staff for or against bills
Uses "bully pulpit".

Could publicly call for the criminal prosecution of doctors who perform abortions. The Attorney General in Wisconsin did this in 1998 and not a single abortion was performed in the state for two days. When Roe is overturned, the Attorney General could call for the criminal prosecution of any doctor who performs an abortion in Illinois.
Can issue legal opinions and lobby the General Assembly.
Enforces laws on behalf of the State, including punishing fake abortion clinics established by anti-choice activists to intimidate women from having abortions.

There are 59 senators and 118 representatives. It requires 30 votes in the Senate and 60 votes in the House to pass a bill.
Sets budget priorities with the Governor.

Cook County Board President by Executive Order can rescind abortion services at Cook County Hospital. Abortion services were restored at the hospital in 1992 by Executive Order after being banned since 1980.
Cook County Board of Commissioners can vote to expand, contract, or end abortion services at Cook County Hospital.

Illinois Supreme Court determines the Constitutionality and enforcement of laws in Illinois.
All judges hear cases and render opinions. Judges will hear petitions by minors to waive the notice requirement. Having judges sympathetic to minors, and to choice, is critical.

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