As Illinois’ budget war continues, some state lawmakers want people to be ready for a different kind of battle — against zombies.
The state House approved a measure Thursday that would dub October of this year as "Zombie Preparedness Month." Despite the name, lawmakers aren’t actually gearing up for a real zombie apocalypse. The measure instead encourages people to learn more about natural disasters and ensure they have emergency supplies that could last up to 72 hours.
"I am told that if you are prepared for zombies, then you would be prepared to deal with a natural disaster like tornadoes, blizzards — natural disasters of any kind," Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, said.
Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville, said while zombies bring levity to the conversation, the measure calls attention to the importance of natural disaster planning.
"It’s not when things go well that we need a plan," Wehrli said. "It’s when things go off the rails."
The measure stirred some debate on the House floor. Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, said the proposal "awakened various zombies in the chamber."
Rep. Steven Andersson, R-Geneva, questioned which type of zombie should be used as a model for natural disaster preparedness, noting that the undead featured on the show "Z Nation" are quick and smart. Those portrayed on "The Walking Dead," though, are slow but come in droves.
Illinois Senate looking at higher sales tax on food, drugs Monique Garcia and Haley BeMiller
The mammoth budget blueprint under consideration in the Illinois Senate changed shape yet again Tuesday, with lawmakers floating the idea of applying a higher state sales tax to food and drugs.
The change allows backers to shelve a proposed “opportunity tax” that would charge companies for the…
The mammoth budget blueprint under consideration in the Illinois Senate changed shape yet again Tuesday, with lawmakers floating the idea of applying a higher state sales tax to food and drugs.
The change allows backers to shelve a proposed “opportunity tax” that would charge companies for the…
(Monique Garcia and Haley BeMiller)
Rep. William Davis, D-Homewood, said the zombie apocalypse is often portrayed as the end of the world, which he said isn’t a fair representation of natural disasters from which resilient Illinoisans bounce back.
But as with most topics up for debate at the Capitol, the conversation eventually turned to the state’s historic budget impasse. Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, blasted lawmakers for entertaining the measure as Illinois’ serious financial emergency continues.
"This may sound like fun, but if you’re really concerned about disaster, the natural disaster that’s happening in Illinois is all economic," Ives said.
Welch said the lighthearted nature of the proposal was designed to get people talking.
"If we need to do something like Zombie Preparedness Month to get people’s attention to an important issue like preparing for a natural disaster, then so be it," he said.
Illinois Democrats push back against Trump on abortion Haley BeMiller
Pushing back against Republican President Donald Trump, one Democratic state lawmaker is sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting Illinois women’s access to abortion services.
The plan from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, would eliminate a so-called trigger provision in state law that…
Pushing back against Republican President Donald Trump, one Democratic state lawmaker is sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting Illinois women’s access to abortion services.
The plan from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, would eliminate a so-called trigger provision in state law that…
(Haley BeMiller)
hbemiller@chicagotribune.com
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