BY MIKE CETERA
It looks like some lawmakers have seen the proverbial light when it comes to the ill-advised moment of silence law approved last year.
Instead of making the moment of silence mandatory for all schools, a new bill would restore power to local schools -- where it should have remained in the first place -- to decide if the school day should begin with a moment of reflection.
Among those changing their votes from last year were House Minority Leader Tom Cross. But not all local lawmakers voted for this change.
From the Tribune:
"I think a number of my colleagues mistakenly viewed this as referendum on religion last session," said Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of the new bill. "It isn't... It"s about local control."The vote surprised some lawmakers, who noted that proponents had rounded up enough votes to override Blagojevich's veto last fall. The firestorm that followed thrust Illinois into the national school prayer debate.
Now lawmakers are flipping over.
Cross, for instance, switched his position because he decided it was better to have a "voluntary" moment of silence, spokesman David Dring said.
The legislation now heads to the Senate. Find the House vote here.
Votes for: Along with Cross, State Rep. Bob Pritchard switched his position. Rep. Joe Dunn voted both this week and last year to keep the moment of silence optional.
Votes against: State Reps. Linda Chapa LaVia and Tim Schmitz.
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