Illinois Senate Democrats getting nervous about the July 9th deadline coming soon.
(State Journal-Register) – Gov. Pat Quinn must act quickly on legislation that would allow the carrying of concealed weapons in Illinois to avert a “public safety and constitutional crisis,” Senate Democrats said in a letter Thursday.
The plea signed by 23 Democrats, including Senate President John Cullerton, said Quinn should “make his intentions known” so lawmakers have time to react before a July 9 court-ordered deadline for implementing a plan.
The letter, obtained by The Associated Press, notes that authorities in at least eight counties are already refusing to prosecute those who carry concealed weapons. Some counties are setting up their own rules to allow public possession of concealed firearms because the existing law has been invalidated, even if it’s still on the books.
“If you intend to issue a veto or amendatory veto, we ask that you do it quickly. The General Assembly will need time to respond. Every day we get closer to the federal court’s July 9 deadline. Time is of the essence,” the letter said. “We urge you to act on this legislation now. The last thing we need is a public safety and constitutional crisis.
“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013
* 10:15 am – The US Supreme Court has granted Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion for a second extension to file a writ of certiorari on the concealed carry case. The Court extended the deadline until July 22nd, according to the attorney general’s office.
This means that AG Madigan won’t have to decide whether to appeal until after the appellate court’s July 9th deadline for enacting a public carry law. That deadline was also extended at AG Madigan’s request.
– Posted by Rich Miller
http://capitolfax.com/2013/06/18/this-just-in-274/