August 28, 2007

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate

95th General Assembly

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto Senate Bill 1463, entitled “AN ACT concerning education.” 

Prayer plays an important part in the lives of many people.  It certainly does in mine.  I believe in prayer.  I believe in the power of prayer.  I also believe that our founding fathers wisely recognized the personal nature of faith and prayer, and that is why the separation of church and state is a centerpiece of our constitution, our democracy and our freedoms. 

The law in Illinois today already allows teachers and students the opportunity to take a moment for silent thought or prayer, if they chose to.  I believe this is the right balance between the principles echoed in our constitution, and our deeply held desire to practice our faith. As a parent, I am working with my wife to raise our children to respect prayer and to pray because they want to pray – not because they are required to. 

            For this reason, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill 1463.

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor