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ILLINOIS UPDATE:

44^TH DISTRICT UPDATE                                                                               OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Illinois lawmakers considered legislation left over from the now completed 94^th General Assembly, and started the 95^th General Assembly by swearing in new lawmakers during the week of January 8-12.

94^TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS

            The Senate convened a rare Sunday session, meeting in the newly restored Senate chambers after a multi-month renovation. Senators voted to override a gubernatorial veto on legislation that will allow specific school districts to borrow money for construction and adjust their tax structure to suit budgetary needs.

            Lawmakers also acted on the Governor’s nominees for state boards and agencies. The Senate rejected a reappointment to the Prisoner Review Board, after Senate Democrats refused to support the Governor’s nominee. The rejection of the nominee – a retired police chief from Peoria – drew strong fire from the Peoria County State’s Attorney who issued a statement charging that the Illinois Prisoner Review Board “has been reconstituted in the last five years to become a proud and loud majority of advocates, yes advocates, for convicted killers.” Several other appointments representing interests ranging from education to aeronautics were approved without controversy.

            On Tuesday, retiring Senate members were honored with congratulatory resolutions listing their many accomplishments. Their colleagues said a few words about the departing Senators, who will receive a copy of their resolutions in recognition of their legislative service.

            Also during the week, a Senate committee rejected a measure to extend the 7% homestead tax exemption for Cook County after Democrats in control of the House and Senate could not agree on changes to the legislation.

            Senators also passed comprehensive coal mining legislation that will enhance safety in Illinois, in the wake of the West Virginia mining accident last year. A motion that would have allowed counties to adopt a cigarette tax increase was not called for a vote.

95^TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES

            On Wednesday, new and returning Senators were sworn into office during ceremonies officially beginning the 95^th General Assembly. There are eight new Senators -- six Democrats and two Republicans.

The first act of business for the Senate was electing Senator Emil Jones of Chicago as Senate President and Senator Frank Watson of Greenville as Senate Minority Leader. Decisions about offices and committee assignments are currently being made and will be announced soon.

A General Assembly session runs for two consecutive years, consisting of a legislative-driven agenda in the first year, and more of a budgetary focus during the second year. All bills that are unable to make it through the legislative process by the end of the second year are either reintroduced and sent through the legislative process again, or are no longer valid.