MIG Journal, Saturday Morning Edition

Mental Health or Mental Headache? 

By Avery Causley-Ingram

Friday night's debate in the House Chamber on HB1243, a bill requiring Illinois schools to implement mental health courses, sparked strong arguments on both sides. While many agreed that mental health is an important issue, the discussion centered on whether this bill was the right approach.

Supporters of the bill argued that early education on mental health could equip students with coping skills and reduce long-term issues. 

“This bill improves the lives of the future generation,” a lobbyist stated. 

Others pointed to statistics, including an 8% decline in bullying in schools with mental health programs. 

A particularly emotional moment came when a supporter shared, “If I had learned about mental health earlier, I might have felt comfortable asking for help instead of suffering in silence.”

Opponents, however, raised concerns about cost, effectiveness, and government overreach. One representative questioned whether this was the state’s role, saying, “Mental health is a medical issue, not a government issue.” Others pointed to Illinois’ $140 billion pension liability and teacher shortages, arguing that schools might not have the resources to implement another requirement. There was also discussion about parental rights, with some expressing concerns that the bill could take decisions about mental health education away from families.

After extensive debate, the bill passed with a vote of 34-18.

HB2727 Bill

by: Kasper Sturtz

This bill, HB2727, is intended to require landlords of mobile home parks to provide a written justification for rent increases over 3% to residents.

Republicans, overall, see the bill from the landlord perspective. They view the bill as government overreach and a burden on mobile park owners. They see rent increases as a simple case of supply and demand. One senator stated, “I have two words for you: capitalism and free market.” They went on to insist that America was founded on capitalism, therefore it is inescapable and a fact of American life.

Additionally, the Minority Leader (R) cited a Zillow finding that says when rent isn't limited, more housing becomes available. Which makes perfect sense, but perhaps not for the reason he thought it did. Of course more housing would be available if people cannot afford to pay for any of it.

Democrats, on the other hand, see the issue from a renter’s perspective. They claim that all the bill does is provide clear guidelines on rent increases. The Minority Leader (D) stated that she was, “confused” about the Republicans’ stance on HB2727. This bill does not limit how much landlords can raise rent or anything one may consider extreme like that. It simply makes it mandatory that they notify when it is increased above 3%.

The perspectives are most exemplified by a metaphor introduced by a Democratic Senator who described how, when they go to a store, like Home Depot, they get a receipt, which serves as an explanation for their spending. Implying that the written justification for rent increases would serve the same purpose. The Minority Leader responded that when he goes to Home Depot, he doesn't have to explain everything he purchases on his receipt.

In the end, HB2727 passed with a vote of 32 yeas and, 20 nays.

Floor Sessions House Chambers

By: Anastasia Jackson

The bills that were passed during committee sessions were brought back up in the house chambers. The first bill is HB1057, which is the firearm ammunition bill. Democratic Majority Leader is quoted saying “A gun can not fire without a bullet”. The Republican party argued about the protection of their 2nd amendment rights. The bill was passed at a vote of 32 for and 19 against passing. The next Bill passed was HB5803, which is about the use of deadly force for self defense purposes. Minority leader argues the importance of self defense for the individual, while the majority fights for the prevention of unlawful murder and gun violence. The bill does not pass. The committee takes a recess for said bill.