By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says protecting doctors' assets, not capping pain and suffering awards, will keep physicians in the state.
GOP leaders in Illinois introduced legislation last week to cap pain and suffering awards at 250-thousand dollars.
The governor says the Illinois Supreme Court has twice ruled caps unconstitutional.
"I think it would be counter-productive to pass a bill and then suddenly have the court rule it not valid," Blagojevich said. "Why not do something we know will sustain a constitutional challenge, asset protection, and link it to guaranteed reduction in insurance premiums?"
The governor made his comments during a visit to announce a grant for a business in Madison County, an area that's drawn criticism for excessive litigation.