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Friday, May 25, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

The Gun Dealer Licensing bill was expected to be called for a vote Thursday, but not enough lawmakers showed up.

This is the second time this week lawmakers told Newschannel 20 they’re holding off bills because of attendance.

The sponsor of the Gun Dealer Licensing Act measure said she also delayed calling the bill Thursday because she may amend it.

The sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment said he’s not calling the resolution because of attendance.

By the end of yesterday, the House had nine excused absences and a few others who were listed as not voting.

Lots of family graduations are happening these days. Tons more are scheduled for May 31st.

But, remember, there’s still plenty of time to move bills that will need as many bodies in town as possible. May 31st is next Thursday. They’re coming back to Springfield on Monday.

7 Comments

- Leigh John-Ella - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 11:26 am:
These surprise endings to the session always play havoc with personal schedules. It’s too bad they don’t schedule these days and deadlines out in advance.

- Just Observing - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 11:28 am:
Who determines if an absence is excused or not?

- DuPage Saint - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 11:41 am:
And what difference does it make if excused or unexcused? Do they lose pay? Lose committee assignments?

- Just Observing - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 11:49 am:
=== And what difference does it make if excused or unexcused? Do they lose pay? Lose committee assignments? ===

Well, legislators do have outside lives. And while they should always make their best attempt to attend session days, they aren’t obligated to miss their kid’s graduation or a medical procedure.

- Dome Gnome - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 11:51 am:
Do you suppose Oberweis is having a nice time in Florida again?

- My New Handle - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 12:19 pm:
I never understood why legislators, who know that session ends May 31 every year, feel they have the privilege of skipping session days. Sometimes family obligations must be sacrificed. Like we constantly tell Rauner do your job. I have no sympathy for these absentees, never have. There were several times I was called into work on a Memorial Day and away from my family because session demanded. Legislators without medical or family medical excuses have no other excuses. Harsh? Maybe. But the people of this state are obligated to live with the decisions these legislators make for much longer than a missed family function. I am sure there are cops, firefighters and military personnel who would rather be with family than on the job for family events, but their duty directs otherwise.

- NoGifts - Friday, May 25, 18 @ 1:06 pm:
How many don’t want to have to vote on these things right now?

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