Veto sessions can have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personna. Some of those weeks can be calm and unassuming, while others can be rip roaring. This season evidenced both as the uneventful first week gave way to some major policy considerations in the second. Now, all eyes are looking toward January and newly-scheduled January session days that have been announced. The House is now scheduled to be in session from January 3-7 and on January 9, 10 and 11. The Senate has added January 4, 5 and 6 to their schedule. All January dates have been described by leaders as “tentative” but there’s little doubt that most of those days will be utilized. Then, it’s out with the old session and in with the new at high noon on Wednesday, January 12.
The huge unanswered question is whether there will another flurry of activity in January or whether there will be little if any “accumulation”. With the actions of this past week regarding major issues such as police and fire pension reform (approved), civil unions (approved), gaming expansion (passed Senate/needs House action) and medical marijuana (failed) the signs for January are pointing to a continuation of substantial policy considerations. Remember that the rules for enacting bills with immediate effective dates changes on January 1, with the exception of borrowing, to a simple majority (30 Senate, 60 House) allowing the majority party to control the agenda and do pretty much as it wishes, with borrowing a giant exception.
Since his November election was certified Governor Quinn has continued to push for his proposed 1% income tax increase for education. It has been met with resistance from many fronts – many Democratic legislators, including Speaker Madigan, who prefer to see a bipartisan roll call on any revenue enhancements; human services advocates who aren’t feeling the love and would like action to help clear up the severe backlog of state payments to agencies; and Republicans, who are not inclined to vote for new revenue under any circumstances and who demand budget cuts and major policy changes (i.e. Medicaid managed care) to even consider putting votes on bonding or revenue proposals.
There are two urgent items on the January legislative agenda that Democratic leaders must resolve before the new legislative session begins on January 12 – extension of the Emergency Budget Act and the stalled $3.7 billion in bonding authority to pay the state’s pension tab.
At the end of the spring session the legislature approved the Emergency Budget Act giving the governor the power to initiate emergency rules, allowed the governor to modify or terminate state contracts, and provided for interfund borrowing with interest. That law expires on January 9, the day before the governor takes his oath of office so Democrats will want to extend the provisions and they should be able to accomplish that without too much hassle. The borrowing part, however, is another story.
Last May the House approved borrowing $3.7 billion to make the pension payment. Since House Democrats do not have the three-fifths Democratic majority needed to approve it on their own, two Republicans were convinced to cross over and provide the needed votes. The Senate, on the other hand, does have a three-fifths Democratic majority. But, because two of the majority party members are adamantly opposed to borrowing they are going to have to convince one or two Republicans to cross over and provide a vote. So far, no deal.
At the end of the first veto session week President Cullerton created two special committees to study Medicaid reform and worker’s compensation reform. He wants them to report recommendations back no later than January 3 … in time for action to be taken when the legislature meets during that week. Republican Leader Christine Radogno insists there is no quid pro quo, but Democrats are desperate to find those 36 votes for pension borrowing. The first week in January should provide for some interesting watching. Speaker Madigan has mirrored Cullerton’s action and created similar House panels so expect some attempt to forge some wide-ranging agreement.
New Session Schedule
A sliver of a schedule for the new session has been released by the legislative leadership. After the January 12 legislative swearing-in ceremonies the General Assembly will take two weeks off to organize, appoint committees, and prepare for the transaction of legislative business. Regular legislative business and weekly sessions will begin on Tuesday, February 1. The remainder of the spring session schedule will be released in the near future.
During the two January organizing weeks a number of perfunctory sessions are scheduled. No formal business is conducted but these session days allow new bills to be formally introduced and read into the record so they can be assigned to committees and readied for action.
New Members
There have been a few legislative changes that have occurred as a result of the elections.
Sen. Dan Cronin has been replaced by Sen. Ron Sandack. Cronin was elected DuPage County Board Chairman.
Sen. Dan Rutherford has been replaced by Rep. Shane Cultra. Rutherford was elected state treasurer. Rep. Jason Barickman has been appointed to replace Rep. Cultra.
Rep. John Fritchey has resigned to assume his duty as a Cook County Board Commissioner. Rep. Ann Williams is his replacement.
Rep. Bill Black has resigned effective December 31. Representative-elect Chad Hayes will replace him.
Rep. Kevin Joyce resigned during the summer. His replacement, Rep. John M. O’Sullivan, will served until the end of the current session.
Rep. Richard Myers passed away on December 1. His replacement will be named before the end of the year.
A sheet is attached to this report that was compiled by the Illinois Municipal League that provides a background on the new legislators that were elected on November 2.
Campaign Contribution Limits Begin January 1
Illinois has been a wide open state as far as campaign contributions go, until now. Senate Bill 1466, approved in 2009, becomes effective on January 1 and provides limitations, for the first time, on individuals, businesses, unions, associations, and candidate and political action committees. There are limitations on political caucus committees as well, but those limits do not apply in general elections, only primary elections. The new law also makes reporting more rigorous and open.
A great deal of criticism has been levied on the limitation exemption for party caucuses in general elections. There is every expectation that this provision will not be changed and will remain as is, at least for the foreseeable future.
A separate chart has been attached to this report that provides a breakdown and synopsis of the requirements of the new Act.
Newly elected legislators
SB1466 Campaign Finance Reform Synopsis
