* The Chicago casino bill wasn’t the only legislation that didn’t receive a vote this week. From a press release…

State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement Wednesday after the Legislature adjourned the fall legislative session without the Senate passing House Bill 3904, the Student Athlete Endorsement Act:

“I’m very disappointed that we were not able to get this reform that brings equity and fairness to college athletes in Illinois sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“It’s unacceptable that the NCAA, collegiate athletic conferences and universities are earning billions of dollars every year, while student athletes are prohibited from earning a few extra bucks from working at a meet and greet at a local business.

“I would like to thank Governor Pritzker and all the stakeholders who worked so hard to pass this bill out of the House. And I look forward to continuing our fight in January of next year to do the right thing, get this bill signed into law, and give college athletes the opportunity to receive the compensation that they deserve.”

Hannah Meisel at the Daily Line…

Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside), who introduced the bill on the same day California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an identical bill into law in September, told The Daily Line Thursday that he was “very disappointed,” but would continue organizing around the issue and bring the bill forward in January. “I think the issue of college athletes being able to be compensated for their name, likeness and image is a civil rights issue,” Welch said. “I don’t see any reason why the Senate legitimately held this thing up.” Senate sponsor State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) told The Daily Line that allowing college athletes to be paid for endorsement deals is “an issue we’re all very passionate about, we care about deeply,” but said more discussions need to be had. “I think there are other issues that may present themselves and we want to fully vet it,” Sims said.

There was also a sponsorship dispute in the Senate, which likely played into this.

* Meanwhile…

Hi Rich,

Following up to with you after this past week’s veto session in Springfield. The Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee had been pushing for action on SB1966—a bill that would require background checks for all gun sales. Here is a statement from Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee, regarding this past week’s inaction on the bill:

We are deeply disappointed the Senate failed to act on SB1966. This bill would save lives - which is why two-thirds of Illinois voters and over 190 community and advocacy groups support it.

We are committed to making Illinois safer for our children, families and communities and will continue working with elected officials at all levels and across the aisle to pass commonsense, evidence-based, legislation.