Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar


Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives


Previous Post: Durkin threatens caucus with “consequences”
Next Post: Question of the day

*** UPDATED x1 *** Heroin bill to survive political bickering

Posted in:

* As I write this at 1:20, the House has voted on two vetoes of bills that passed overwhelmingly during the spring session. Both override attempts failed mainly because Republicans stuck with their governor on general principles, some Dems didn’t support the bills to begin with and because one Democrat is still not accounted for despite clocking in as “Present” on the roll call for attendance. I discussed this with subscribers earlier today. We’ll just have to wait and see if and when Rep. Ken Dunkin shows up, either today or tomorrow. Keep an eye on our live session coverage post for constant updates.

Mary Ann Ahern has a bit more on Rep. Dunkin

While Madigan has said he has the votes necessary, one key Democrat, Rep. Ken Dunkin, is “unavailable,” according to his office. Dunkin “has been spotted in more places than Elvis,” one source in Springfield told NBC Chicago, but the representative’s staff say they “are not at liberty to discuss” where he is. They did confirm that he is not in Springfield, however.

Subscribers know where he says he is.

* But, as I told subscribers last Friday, there will be Republican votes to override the governor’s veto of Medicaid funding from the heroin treatment bill. Leader Durkin confirmed it today

Durkin said Republicans will likely stand with House Democrats in an attempt to override a different bill the governor altered using an amendatory veto.

Both Republicans and Democrats are expected to vote to extend Medicaid coverage to pay for federally-approved medications and therapy to treat heroin addiction.

The governor took the brick off after heavy prodding by House and Senate Republicans. That’s very good news.

*** UPDATE *** As expected, the veto was overridden.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:26 pm

Comments

  1. That is good news.

    Comment by A guy Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:42 pm

  2. That’s good. Because the GOP is going to need some methadone, to wean themselves off the Rauner Cash Heroin ™.

    Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:42 pm

  3. Ken Dunkin was spotted at a local drinking establishment, sporting dark framed round eyeglasses and wearing a red and white striped shirt and hat.

    Comment by phocion Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:44 pm

  4. If the heroin bill override goes down that way, good on Gov. Rauner for listening to reason from his GA peeps on a public health issue beyond politics.

    But let’s see the roll call first.

    I’m disturbed as to how it got vetoed in the first place. Nearly every GOP GA member voted for it. That’s not a well-oiled machine at work.

    I fear the governor is disengaged and the frat boys are scatter-brained petulant goofs in way over their heads.

    How does a control-freak administration let virtually every GOP member vote for a bill that the governor vetoes?

    It’s not the first time that has happened. GOP members are going to get beaten like a rented mule for voting against the K-12 approp. the governor signed.

    Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 1:57 pm

  5. Phocian: not him. no silk pocket handkerchief.

    Comment by walker Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:02 pm

  6. Good done. 105-5 to override on the Heroin bill.

    Comment by walker Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:12 pm

  7. Excellent result! No one left behind as it should be.

    Comment by Sandy Champion Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 2:17 pm

  8. Kudos on this override.

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Sep 2, 15 @ 4:49 pm

Add a comment

Sorry, comments are closed at this time.

Previous Post: Durkin threatens caucus with “consequences”
Next Post: Question of the day


Last 10 posts:

more Posts (Archives)

WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.

powered by WordPress.