Question of the day
Monday, May 6, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Finke…
(H)ere’s a scenario for an overtime session laid out by a lawmaker recently.
This is not an endorsement of the theory, just relating one person’s thoughts about something that could happen.
It goes like this: Until the end of May, most bills can pass with regular majorities in the House and Senate. After that date, it takes a super majority to pass bills if they take effect immediately, like the budget.
There are things that take a super majority no matter when they are passed. That includes proposed amendments to the state Constitution (like the graduated income tax) and bonds that that would be issued for a capital program. Ergo, if things get backed up as crunch time approaches, there are issues that could be pushed to June without changing how many votes are needed to pass them.
* The Question: Do you think the spring session will go into overtime? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
polls
- Just Me 2 - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
The bad press for not getting things done on time and reminiscent for previous administrations is not worth just avoiding the heavy work now.
- A Jack - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:00 pm:
They do have a lot on their plate, so a little overtime is a possibility.
- Steve - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:02 pm:
I voted no. I think with one political party in total control in both chambers whatever the Democrats want to achieve they will.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:04 pm:
Just can’t see the Gov wanting it to go OT after he spent months and millions calling Rauner a failure.
I expect the Gov to get some of what he wants, declare a victory and say change is never fast or easy but he lives to fight another day and will spend the summer working to gather the needed votes for Veto.
- siriusly - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:09 pm:
I voted no, agree with Steve. They will want to show contrast to 4 years of failure . . .
- Oswego Willy - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:12 pm:
Voted “Yes, but not for long”
We need to remember the past administration did NOT want a budget/deal/compromise but complete capitulation.
The budget will be worked out, maybe that capital bill to get a few Green that are holdouts, but the main holdup?
Progressive Tax Amendment.
The HDems and the Governor need to find that area to get to 71… even after May 31st… but revisiting this after spring adjournment would be bad for all Dems, and they all know that.
So… lil overtime… get some flips, get some deal, adjourn.
- lakeside - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
Agreed on no. Will want to use this as contrast to Rauner, as well as show strong support for anything they plan to put in front of voters.
- RNUG - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
I’m going to be the contrarian. It will go deep into overtime … and it will be because of the House. MJM doesn’t have a guaranteed super-majority and I expect some D’s to balk at all the tax and spending without really, truly addressing the structural deficit that requires kicking the pension can. MJM does seem to want to exercise some spending constraint, but I don’t know if it will be enough.
Or I could get fooled and some R’s might make up the difference, but I don’t see enough of them doing so right now.
- 47th Ward - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:29 pm:
My previous comment got lost in the machine, but I agree with RNUG. Madigan is already preparing an alternate budget. That’s not going to save any time. And Madigan has 13 so-called progressives who don’t want to repeal the estate tax. He’s going to need to find some of those replacement votes on the other side of the aisle, and that’s not going to be easy.
In 2004, the session went deep into July. I think think we’ll break that record, but I’d be nervous about making any 4th of July plans.
- 47th Ward - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:30 pm:
I don’t think.
D’oh.
- Been There - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:36 pm:
I voted yes but not for long. But I also think once a budget is passed you can make the case that session is over. Anything after that is just another special session or a supplemental to the budget.
- Rich Miller - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:39 pm:
===and that’s not going to be easy===
Since enactment of the estate tax is tied directly to the popular vote on the graduated income tax, I’m assuming it’ll be as close to impossible as one can get.
- Blue Dog Dem - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:40 pm:
Voted yes, for quite awhile. The alternative going back to face a restless constituency.
- OutOfState - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 3:43 pm:
I think the guv will want to end the session quickly, but he’ll want his policies more, so we’ll see a short overtime. I think we’ll see a pre-budget victory (probably marijuana or the income tax or both) then the budget, then a capital bill and/or marijuana (if its not happened yet). Probably no gaming this session, unless something comes out of the woodwork.
- OneMan - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:02 pm:
Voted no, not sure anyone has an appitite for it.
- Honeybear - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:19 pm:
I’m with RNUG. Deep overtime. I just don’t think the Pritzker team, staffed with many leftover Raunerites is effective at anything. Agencies senior staff have no idea what they’re doing it seems.
Maybe it’s just my limited perspective. But I think we’re going into the mountainside
- Quiet Sage - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:32 pm:
Deep overtime sessions make a governor look weak. Pritzker’s honeymoon period is ending and it is important for him to project an image of legislative strength. If the session does go into overtime it will be short and only for procedural and housekeeping matters.
- 47th Ward - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 4:35 pm:
===I’m assuming it’ll be as close to impossible as one can get.===
Yes, but getting rid of the estate tax is as good as a graduated tax referendum is going to get for the ILGOPs. Unless you think a House bill will tie the rates together…
- cover - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 5:21 pm:
I voted “yes, but not for long”, meaning something like 1:30 AM on June 1. Technically that’s overtime, but if the House defers the issues that require 71 votes anyway till after midnight, it wouldn’t really matter. BTW, it’s not just the “fair tax” amendment and bonding required to finance a capital bill that need a 3/5 vote, the cannabis bill (as filed today) also requires a supermajority to deny home rule powers.
- Pelonski - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 5:47 pm:
I don’t see the estate tax causing a problem. The House will pass whatever they can and then send it back to the Senate. The Senate dems aren’t going to reject it if it doesn’t have the estate tax provision.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 6:27 pm:
Before I can vote, need to know the vacation plans for staff at D. H. Browns and JP Kelly’s.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, May 6, 19 @ 6:27 pm:
Voted no…I have full faith in our Governor’s ability to move important legislation.
- Tim - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 7:25 am:
If they can’t get it done on time with twonsupermajorities it will just prove what has been obvious all along. The Dens are just really bad at governing this state.
- Tim - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 7:25 am:
Two super majorities.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 7, 19 @ 8:17 am:
===If they can’t get it done on time with twonsupermajorities it will just prove what has been obvious all along. The Dens are just really bad at governing this state.===
Get “what” done?
What exactly? “Everything”?