“Two years ago at this time, Illinois stood on the edge of a cliff. Billions of dollars in debt had piled up over a 700-day budget crisis. Domestic violence shelters, Meals on Wheels, and lifesaving breast cancer screenings faced severe cuts and those who depend on these essential services faced an uncertain future.
“Today, while Democrats and Republicans have used some additional time to build a stronger compromise, the people of Illinois can see the first signs of a state beginning to move in the right direction.
“We have now passed a bipartisan, balanced budget that invests $375 million more in education, and protects critical services for seniors, women’s health, and families in need. It meets our full pension obligation, and pays down more than $1 billion in old bills.
“Our budget has created a path to fairer taxes for the middle class. Our Fair Tax package will result in tax relief for 97% of Illinois taxpayers, and makes the wealthy pay their fair share so we can continue to hold the line on middle-class taxes, balance budgets, invest in critical services, and take necessary steps toward reducing property taxes.
“We have taken steps to make our economy stronger: higher wages for working families and equal pay for women; career training to prepare workers for high-wage jobs; and tax credits that invest in businesses that invest in Illinois.
“We have passed reforms that will make health care more affordable and accessible: Protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions; legislation to cap skyrocketing premiums and rein in prescription drug costs; and critical assurances that women’s health will always be a fundamental right.
“While there remains more work to be done to put Illinois fully back on track, in these steps we see what Illinois can be when our leaders stand up for our middle-class families while still seeking common ground; when we use our time to build compromises; when we have a governor who encourages Illinois to think big again; and when we all commit ourselves to working together to build a stronger Illinois.”
* House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
“The end of this legislative was another historic moment for the House Republicans. Not only did we pass a bipartisan, balanced budget without any tax increases, but we also achieved significant business reforms for our communities that will boost the economy across our state. As I’ve said before, we can get great things done for Illinois families as long as we respect the principles and priorities of each caucus. In doing so, we have passed historic education reform, two bipartisan, balanced budgets and now important reforms that will grow jobs. I am proud to have worked with the legislative leaders and the Governor to finally do what’s right for Illinois families and businesses.”
Reforms include:
· Creation of the Blue Collar Jobs Act – which will attract large scale construction projects.
· Creation of a Data Center Tax Incentive – which will enhance the state’s ability to locate data centers in Illinois by providing tax incentives.
· Reinstatement of the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit – to encourage further investments in manufacturing in Illinois.
· Elimination of the antiquated Illinois Franchise Tax.
· Elimination of cap on the Retailer’s Discount.
· Tabling of Senate Bill 1407 – a bill that aimed to impose wage and regulatory requirements on refineries, ethanol plants, and chemical facilities.
* The new operating budget revenues and House GOP Leader Jim Durkin’s pro-business reforms (SB689) sailed through the chamber, with the Eastern Bloc and others like Reps. Dave McSweeney and Allen Skillicorn voting “No”…
The bill moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 1 *** SB1814 is the BIMP. Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) announced a conflict of interest and couldn’t vote on the bill. A few more Republican “No” votes on this one and Speaker Madigan didn’t vote…
The bill moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 2 *** HB142, the bond authorization bill, also passed easily…
That was final action. It goes to the governor.
*** UPDATE 3 *** SB690 is the revenue package for vertical capital. It includes more casinos, legalized sports betting, higher taxes on video gaming and an expansion of video gaming, a tax hike on cigarettes and vaping, a new tax on parking garages, removes a tax exemption on traded-in properties and imposing a traditional sales tax model for “remote sellers” (online). The bill also includes state incentives for large data centers, which was requested by Leader Durkin.
Rep. Michael Unes (R-East Peoria) was upset because the bill allows the Gaming Board to approve the East Peoria riverboat’s move to the City of Peoria as a land-based casino. The boat is his town’s largest employer. “This language is specifically designed to damage my district,” Unes said. Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), however, pointed to a 1991 agreement between the two cities that would move the East Peoria boat to Peoria if the General Assembly authorized land-based casinos.
Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) asked the sponsor Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) if sports betting establishments could open multiple locations within a five-block radius of Chicago sports stadiums. Rita said the bill would not do that. This line of questioning was the result of the deal struck by Gov. Pritzker with Mayor Lightfoot, who worried about sports books springing up all over neighborhoods near stadiums.
Speaker Madigan didn’t vote on this one, either. Democratic Reps. Bristow, Costa Howard and Pappas voted “No.” Leader Art Turner also didn’t vote…
The bill now moves to the Senate for final action.
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
“Legalizing sports betting and expanding gaming will create jobs up and down the state, from Rockford to Chicago to Walker’s Bluff, where communities hungry for employment will see 10,000 new jobs. After the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, I promised the people of Illinois that sports wagering would be a key element of my legislative agenda, so that we are competitive with our neighboring states and can create more revenue for communities around Illinois.
“Gaming expansions in this state have been attempted and failed for years; this effort succeeded because of talented and dedicated public servants like Leaders Terry Link and Tony Munoz and Representatives Bob Rita and Mike Zalewski. Today is a win for the whole state.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** SB1939 contains the revenues to fund the horizontal capital plan, including doubling the Motor Fuel Tax. Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) said he hates taxes, but “we don’t have a choice” on this vote. “It’s the right thing to do in every community in this state,” he said, and took a mild shot at those who want the spending but don’t want to fund it.
Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood) has been an outspoken critic of trade unions, particularly in road construction, for a distinct lack of diversity. But Davis said the bill “starts moving us in the right direction” to get training to put people to work. “It’s something we’re extremely, extremely proud of,” Davis said. Davis also called for annual capital bills instead of waiting every ten years “when we struggle.”
Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee), who is running for Congress, said the Democratic arguments against a flat tax “are not true” because of their support for an increase in the Motor Fuel Tax. “Nothing is more regressive than this gas tax,” he said. “Think about your constituents that can’t afford this!” he roared.
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), who has shied away from controversy since a (weak) primary opponent surfaced, nonetheless spoke on behalf of the bill. He focused mainly on a $315 million high speed rail project for Springfield, which, he said, would make downtown a “quiet zone” by moving trains to a track several blocks east. Lots of legislators have apartments near the 3rd St. rail line, which can keep them up at night.
This was probably the toughest vote of the night because of the MFT increase. But it still got 83 votes. Speaker Madigan didn’t vote again. Democratic Reps. Bristow, Costa Howard, Edly-Allen, Mason, Pappas, Reitz and Stuart voted “No.” There’s your Tier One target list, if you’re keeping score. Republicans voting “Yes” included Reps. Bennett, Bourne, Brady, Bryant, Butler, Demmer, Durkin, Frese, Keicher, Marron, Mazzochi, McAuliffe, McDermed, Meier, Murphy, Reick, Severin, Sosnowski, Spain and Welter. That’s the 20 Leader Durkin promised to deliver…
The bill now moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 5 *** HB62 is the capital appropriations bill…
That was final action. The bill goes to the governor.
…Adding… Press release…
“We believe that Senate Bill 1939 is a responsible investment that will help modernize our transportation system, increase safety on our roads, decrease congestion, and spur economic development in our communities,” said Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch.
“We are thankful to Leaders Brady and Durkin for fighting to include some of the most pro-business reforms we have seen in recent years. We are also grateful to Governor Pritzker and Democrat leaders for supporting transportation investment to grow our economy and help create future financial stability in Illinois.
“Finally, we applaud the members who came together to move a bipartisan package forward that is sustainable, constitutionally protected and ensures that all taxes paid at the pump will go towards transportation.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
“After years of neglecting our state’s roads, bridges, mass transit, and buildings, Illinoisans’ health and safety have been jeopardized, and job creation has been hindered. I’m proud that the state is on the verge of adopting a bipartisan infrastructure plan for the first time in a decade. Our plan to rebuild our roads, bridges and communities will create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout our state. The Rebuild Illinois plan will reinvigorate our economy and strengthen our rightful status as the transportation and supply chain hub of the nation. This historic step forward wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of Senators Sandoval, Manar, Hutchinson, DeWitte, Tracy and McConchie, and Representatives Hoffman, Arroyo, Gordon-Booth, Spain, McDermed and Butler, and countless advocates. I look forward to signing Rebuild Illinois into law to create jobs and make it easier to do business across our state.”
…Adding… IMA…
“Businesses across Illinois need stability, and we applaud Gov. JB Pritzker and lawmakers for coming together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a balanced state budget and enact a jobs program to rebuild our infrastructure including roads and bridges,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturing is our state’s leading economic engine, employing more than 592,000 people. This package will encourage industrial investment by reinstating the Manufacturers Purchase Credit, phasing out the Corporate Franchise Tax, and stopping onerous and costly regulations that would have dictated hiring and pay for energy and chemical companies. These measures, combined with previous legislation extending the Research and Development Credit and creating a new apprenticeship credit, will help manufacturers grow in Illinois.”
* Background is here. Statement from Gov. JB Pritzker…
I have spoken to Mayor Lightfoot about her concerns with regards to sports betting, and we have collaboratively worked with the bill sponsors to make clear that the legislative intent will reflect that there are limits on both the number of and locations for sports betting venues. I’m pleased that we have reached this understanding. Working together we remain on track for a strong proposal to improve the economy while protecting all communities in Chicago and Illinois.
*** UPDATE *** More progress. From the mayor’s office…
After productive discussions with the Governor, we have agreed to allow a limited amount of betting at sports venues subject to local oversight and control. These enhancements to the gaming proposal will allow us to maximize revenue capabilities of a new casino for the City of Chicago and ensure a good quality of life for our neighborhoods that might otherwise be affected. As such, I urge the passage of SB 690 as amended. We will remain engaged with the Governor as well as Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton to ensure a fair outcome for all of Chicago this session.
* Two medical cannabis amendments to Rep. Bob Morgan’s SB2023 are being teed up today. House Amendment 1 would allow advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to certify patients’ medical conditions. That role is currently limited to doctors.
The amendment would also add “chronic pain” to the list of qualifying conditions. It’s part of this list of new conditions…
Needless to say, adding chronic pain and these other ailments will greatly increase the availability of medical cannabis.
This proposal was held until after the recreational cannabis legalization bill passed so as not to undermine its passage.
Rep. Morgan ran the state’s medical cannabis program under Gov. Pat Quinn. The amendments are scheduled to be heard this afternoon in the House Human Services Committee.
Amendment 2 would allow municipalities in non-home rule counties to put a 3 percent sales tax on medical cannabis sales, up from the current 0.75 percent, to make it equal to the current cap on municipalities within home rule counties.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Whoa. Check out this roll call…
The bill now moves to the Senate.
…Adding… Press release excerpt…
While the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program has been lauded as a model for effective regulation, it is clear that a lack of equal opportunity is a weakness in the current cannabis industry in Illinois. SB 2023 takes steps to address inequities by including the same social equity standards that will be enforced under the adult use legislation that will come into effect in 2020. The 5 remaining dispensary licenses will be awarded with social equity being a significant factor.
“The first five years of this important program have provided valuable patient feedback. This legislation will address many of these patients’ concerns and will ensure the program can support patients with lifelong illnesses,” said Representative Morgan. “As Illinois legalizes the use of recreational cannabis, it is important to maintain a strong program that is focused on helping people with serious illnesses find relief,”
* Former Rep. Jeanne Ives tried to gin up her e-mail contacts this morning…
Yesterday, 10 Republicans voted for the Democrat spending plan. They are most likely cued up to vote for a gas tax increase today. Call them: Brady, Bryant, Davidsmeyer, Demmer, Durkin, Hammond, Keicher, Meier, Murphy, Severin.
Republican leadership is asking for Republican state reps to vote TODAY for a doubling of the gas tax and massive gambling expansion to pay for Pritzker’s capital bill which is full of goodies like money for the Obama center and other capital projects local governments and higher education refused to budget for over the years.
CALL YOUR STATE REP, especially if they are a Republican, and shut this down. The Democrats need to completely own this disaster.
The House convenes at noon so call now. If you have their cell number personally text them.
I am told they have negotiated to get 20 Republican votes on these bills. Stop this bill from being Bi-Partisan.
No links, no phone numbers or other contact information, not even any first names or where they’re from in that e-mail blast. I’m thinking it ain’t gonna work too well.
She is right, though, that the House Republicans have pledged to put 20 votes on these bills. That’s a very heavy lift. It’s a caucus of 44 members and many of them are about as tax-averse as you can get, even though most will love the infrastructure spending.
Republican state Rep. Mike Murphy signals he’s looking at an infrastructure plan that includes doubling the state’s gas tax. While he didn’t divulge his position, he reacted to concerns from others in his party that say Republicans voting on tax increases gives cover to Democrats in conservative-leaning districts heading into the 2020 election.
Or maybe Republicans should hold up their end? The projects are being distributed throughout the state. Some of them should vote to pay for all that construction.
Today, the state legislature passed the $40,000 minimum teacher salary, ensuring no teacher in Illinois will be able to make less than that amount by 2025 and helping to strengthen the future of the profession.
Currently, the state school code sets the minimum salary for teachers in Illinois at $10,000 a year for those with a bachelor’s degree and $11,000 for those with a master’s degree. In addition, Illinois is in the midst of a teacher shortage and last year, more than 1,500 positions went unfilled and more than 2,000 went unfilled the year before.
Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Collinsville, is a former teacher and sponsored the bill in the House and Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, who pushed the revamp of school funding in Illinois, sponsored the Senate version.
In both, the increase would be phased in over five years, giving districts time to plan financially for the change. Similar legislation passed last year but was vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
“In our recently released State of Education in Illinois survey, we asked Illinoisans what words they most associated with teachers. The two most common words were underpaid and undervalued,” said Kathi Griffin, president of the Illinois Education Association.
“This legislation shows that lawmakers recognize this. They can see that salary is one of the main factors that prevents people from going into the profession. There is a teacher shortage and it has a detrimental impact on our children, our state’s most important asset. This will help districts across the state attract and retain the best and brightest and that’s what best for students.”
Manar, the sponsor of the bill, said it’s important that educators feel valued.
“Teachers don’t go into the profession for the money, but they have to be able to earn a living. We can’t on one hand say that education is a priority in the state and on the other hand not be willing to pay for it. Investing in educators is investing in education and it benefits students,” Manar said.
An analysis of Illinois State Board of Education data shows that fewer than 8,000 of the state’s 130,000 teachers make less than $40,000. Illinois could bring all of the teachers currently being paid less than $40,000 up to the $40,000 mark this year and only use 10 percent of the evidence-based funding formula dollars. However, the bill does not make that proposition, instead phasing it in over five years. And, the new evidence-based funding formula is designed to funnel money to the school districts with the most need, helping to ensure every district can meet its financial obligations.
The bill would increase salaries gradually over a period of five years to reach a $40,000 minimum. As part of a phase-in period, the salary would increase to a $32,076 minimum in the 2020-21 school year, $34,576 in 2021-22 and $37,076 in 2022-23.
A bill that establishes a “fundamental right” for women to get an abortion in Illinois cleared the state Senate late Friday night, sending the sweeping measure to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who already has signaled his support.
As the clock approached midnight Friday, the Senate voted 34-20 in favor of the abortion legislation, which comes amid an increased sense of urgency among advocates looking to protect abortion access as a series of states have passed laws essentially banning the practice.
“I believe, frankly, there’s a war against women’s rights going on,” Sen. Melinda Bush, the Grayslake Democrat who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said about the restrictive laws other states have passed.
The bill establishes the “fundamental right” of a women to have an abortion and states that a “fertilized egg, embryo or fetus does not have independent rights.” It repeals the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, doing away with provisions for spousal consent, waiting periods, criminal penalties for physicians who perform abortions and other restrictions on facilities where abortions are performed.
Republicans warned that the bill would adopt language that would allow otherwise viable fetuses to be aborted.
“It’s about radically expanding what is allowed under law,” said Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris. “If there’s a line, we’ve definitely crossed it here in Illinois with this proposal.”
The matter now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who campaigned on the promise to make Illinois the most progressive state in the nation for reproductive rights.
Pritzker met Democrats on the Senate floor late Friday night to congratulate them after the vote.
The bill would take away reporting requirements regarding the reason an abortion procedure was performed, including restrictions Republicans insisted would keep coroners from investigating potentially botched abortions.
Just to be clear, the idea here is to treat abortion like all other medical procedures. Coroners aren’t automatically notified after botched heart surgeries, for example (or, as a commenter pointed out, when a mother or child dies during birth).
The measure received 34 Democratic yes votes. Twenty senators voted no, including lone Democrat, Bunker Hill Democrat Andy Manar. Three Democrats voted present. […]
McConchie sought clarification on whether any provisions of the legislation would render toothless the Parental Notification of Abortion Law, which requires a minor to consult her parents before getting the procedure. Bush said no part of her bill would impact that statute.
″(Abortion) is not a medical procedure,” she said. “What we’re talking about today isn’t simply protecting women’s reproductive health choices. … If there’s a line, we definitely crossed it here in Illinois with this proposal.”
“The one bill that will be most detrimental, and the one that we will be talking about 40 years from now, is this bill right here,” Rezin added. […]
With a group of mostly female state representatives, who had come to the Senate floor to watch the debate, standing behind Bush, holding hands, Bush described the “ungodly hate” she and other proponents of the Reproductive Health Act have faced, including death threats.
“To make that decision, (to have an abortion) that is not an easy decision,” she said. “That is not something that any woman makes without tremendous difficulty and pain. Nor something she ever forgets … (but) it’s her right to make that choice.”
* The quiet failure of the “Fix the FOID” bill in the Senate caught some off guard. That chamber, with its 40 Democrats, is not exactly known as a gun-lovers paradise…
(T)he legislation faced strong opposition, with detractors calling the proposed new regulations among the most “onerous” in the nation and an infringement on their constitutional rights. […]
On Friday, Democrat Julie Morrison, the Senate sponsor of the bill, spoke strongly in support of it but said she ran out of time to explain to fellow senators the significant changes it proposed. […]
Kathleen Sances, president of the Gun Violence Prevention PAC, which was involved in drafting the legislation, is holding out hope the proposal will come for a vote before the Senate at a later date.
“We’re really thrilled that we were able to get the bill out of the House, and I really have to give credit to Rep. (Kathleen) Willis,” Sances said of the bill’s House sponsor. “We ran out of time in the Senate. … So moving forward we’ll just be talking with both chambers and we’ll see what we can do to get enough votes to pass it in the Senate.”
The Illinois State Rifle Association was ready to deal on this topic and has a bill to address it. The Democrats could’ve had a bipartisan proposal to address the FOID issue, but they went their own way in the House and it apparently spooked the Senate Democrats, who aren’t normally spooked. That caucus will pass just about anything.
* Related…
* Ammons’ ‘Democrat judge’ bill on pause in state Senate: “HB 97 is a piece of legislation that can start the very real conversation about diversity on the judicial benches of downstate Illinois,” Koehler said. “I do not plan on running this legislation this session. I look forward to having conversations this summer with (Supreme Court) Justice Tom Kilbride and others about the best path forward.”
* I’m really happy that I don’t have to write about this bill any more…
Illinois is likely to become the 11th state to allow small amounts of marijuana for recreational use after the Democratic-controlled House on Friday sent a legalization plan to Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who campaigned on the issue.
State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, talked about the negative health effects of the drug. He brought out props to the House floor: An egg and a pan.
“This is your brain,” DeLuca said as he cracked an egg into a frying pan. “There it is folks. This is your brain on drugs. So today for my family, for my children, for your family, of your children, and especially for African American and Hispanic communities, vote no.”
State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, immediately stood in support of the measure and to “refute some of the what I call nonsense that we heard including wasting eggs that should have been used to make a souffle or something instead of making a ridiculous point that has been outdated for over 30 years.”
“If this bill passes, a giant, big-money industry will commercialize another harmful, addictive drug in our state,” said Rep. Marty Moylan, a Des Plaines Democrat and outspoken opponent of legalization.
Violent crime has increased in Colorado, Alaska, Oregon and Washington state at rates higher than the national average since those states legalized recreational use, said Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis.
He said it’s unclear whether marijuana played a role in violent crime rising in those states. But he said Illinois should delay legalization until more is known.
State Rep. Tom Morrison, a Republican who opposed the legislation, said the state isn’t prepared.
“Our law enforcement agencies do not support this. They are not ready for this and don’t have the capabilities to enforce this,” he said in a statement.
“The idea that there’s no studies out there on this stuff or that we think we have the answers on this stuff, is pretty appaling that we’re rushing into this,” said state Rep. Mark Batnick (R-Plainfield). “I know this has been out there for a while. I know the sponsor has worked on it for a long time, but my goodness there seems to be a lot of red flags on this issue.”
* The tone completely changed on the House floor last night after the leaders and the governor finally came to an agreement. Illinois Public Radio…
Democratic state Rep. Will Davis, from Homewood: “We know that as we continue to work collaboratively — if that is what we indeed want to do — when we work collaboratively, there are a lot of things that we can indeed get done.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin echoed those remarks.
“It’s amazing what we can do around in just a few hours if people are willing to work together, and we just started doing that,” Durkin told his colleagues. “So I feel we’re on a good path, and I’m pleased to put my vote on the board tonight, and let’s get our work done by tomorrow.”
Action on the budget came after hours of negotiations with Pritzker and the four partisan leaders of the House and Senate. Republicans, though a minority party in the legislature, sought concessions from Pritzker aimed at helping the business community in future legislation.
“I am very glad these matters are being taken into consideration,” said House Republican leader Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, citing several business credits and tax incentives in the plan. “Tonight is the start of us finishing up this year working on a budget that is balanced and fair to Illinoisans.”
State Rep. Greg Harris, the Chicago legislator who headed up budget talks for majority House Democrats, said the plan also allows for borrowing $1.2 billion to help pay down a multibillion-dollar backlog of overdue bills to providers of state services that grew exponentially during the budget impasse.
The Illinois Senate made the first move to get a $45-billion infrastructure plan approved early Saturday morning. Senators approved billions of dollars in bonding authorization for some capital projects, as well as paying down backlogged bills.
It also ok-ed billions of dollars in a long list of projects — from development near Soldier Field in Chicago to new libraries and updated residence halls at universities to overhauled water infrastructure in cities across the state.
At one point Friday, it appeared that partisan acrimony could threaten to derail things like a gambling expansion bill and a capital plan, major components of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first legislative session.
However, a series of meetings Friday night between Pritzker and various legislative leaders led to a thaw in tensions. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs left a meeting with the governor, Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago and House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, saying he believes the Democrats are willing to consider some pro-business issues.
“Our caucus for the past few weeks has been very insistent that if we are going to participate there have to be some meaningful business reforms,” Durkin said. “I finally get the impression tonight that the governor and Democrat leaders are going to take those under consideration.”
Several business leaders sent a letter to Pritzker earlier this week outlining changes they want to see on business issues. They want tax incentives to locate data centers in the state, elimination of the state franchise tax, reinstatement of a tax credit to help manufacturers and no further action on a pro-labor bill affecting jobs at refineries, ethanol plans and chemical facilities.
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, said a bipartisan agreement was reached to get some Republicans to support the $40.3 billion spending plan. The agreement includes finding some reforms to grow the economy “that we think will strike the right balance and be a fair compromise to be a stable budget of the state, one that addresses the pressures that we face while also addressing some important policies that help us grow our economy.”
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin said there’s a willingness for bipartisanship, but only when each side’s priorities are recognized. Durkin laid out Republicans’ priorities.
“Things that we think are important for the business community,” Durkin said. “By enhancing our ability to local data centers in Illinois with tax incentives, eliminating the retailers discount which we’ve talked about before, eliminating the antiquated Illinois franchise tax, reinstating a manufacturer’s purchase credit, enacting a blue collar jobs act and others.”
“That strikes the right balance of what we need in this state,” Durkin said.
Durking heaped praise on Demmer later for being a key player in putting this together.
And during a House Executive Committee, lawmakers cleared a gambling proposal that would add six casinos in Chicago, Waukegan, the south suburbs, Williamson County in southern Illinois, Rockford in northern Illinois and Danville in the state’s east-central region.
The Chicago casino would be able to have up to 4,000 gambling positions — three times more than any other casino in the state currently has — and slot machines would be allowed at O’Hare and Midway airports. Bill sponsor State Rep. Bob Rita said money from the proposed Chicago casino would be split in thirds among the city, state and the private owner.
But Lightfoot issued a statement saying that while she wants a Chicago casino, she doesn’t support sports wagering at place like Soldier Field.
I’m still not sure how they’re going to deal with Lightfoot’s late demand.
I strongly support a gaming bill that directs a new casino and dollars to the city of Chicago. However, I oppose the inclusion of a provision that would open up sports wagering in venues like Soldier Field. Such a proposal has the potential to undermine the viability of any Chicago-based casino through the diversion of customers and revenue from a casino. Because the impact of sports wagering in stadiums has not been fully vetted or analyzed, I cannot support the bill in its current form and urge the deletion of this stadium-betting provision.
Essentially what’s she’s saying here is that Soldier Field and United Center sports betting could eat into Chicago casino profits.
I’m hearing that the sports betting provision could be stripped out of the gaming bill this weekend. Stay tuned.
* A source very close to the talks says the House will vote on a budget tonight and the vote will be bipartisan. So, it appears there’s been some movement.
The governor has been convening talks for hours this evening. His people were adamant about trying to break the logjam that has been developing for several days.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Hmm…
New: Source close to budget negotiations expects bipartisan votes in House on the budget tonight. Everything else (sports betting, capital infrastructure plan, gambling expansion) will wait until tomorrow.
Senate could vote on abortion tonight. FOID bill isn’t happening.
The Senate has been wanting to wait until after the budget vote to do the RHA so as not to enflame passions. I told subscribers earlier about the Fix the FOID bill being stuck.
Also, Mayor Lightfoot appears to have a problem with the gaming bill, but I’ve been having trouble getting an answer out of her people.
And if the House does wait until tomorrow to do the capital bill taxes, that’s going to mean 71 votes. And those aren’t easy votes by any stretch of the imagination.
*** UPDATE 2 *** 9:33 pm The Illinois Manufacturers Association says it is now supporting the state operating budget and the capital budget. The governor and the House Republican Leader were able to come to an agreement with the other leaders on concessions.
Meanwhile, Gov. Pritzker was invited to attend the Senate Republican caucus meeting tonight. He walked in at about 9:20 or so.
The House is now debating the budget.
*** UPDATE 3 *** 9:33 pm The House passed the budget (SB262) 83-35.
*** UPDATE 4 *** 9:57 pm Kind of a matter of fact statement from Speaker Madigan…
Tonight, the House approved a bipartisan budget bill in coordination with Leader Durkin. The work of this House is not done. We have adjourned for tonight and will return tomorrow to continue working in a bipartisan manner to finish the remaining work of the General Assembly
Lots of motion between top leaders at this late hour. @GovPritzker is trying to land the, uh… land the tuna. He’s meeting House Republican Leader Jim Durkin to try and resolve some differences. Still possible we see some late action on sports betting, budget bills tonight.
Cullerton has been bouncing around all over the place.
*** UPDATE *** He’s been pushing these ideas for at least a week now…
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin expresses optimism after leaving @GovPritzker’s office, says he finally feels the Democrats are willing to take action on these business reforms. pic.twitter.com/FdfRO552Wb
House GOP Leader Jim Durkin, exiting the governor's office, says he thinks Pritzker and Democrats finally are taking Republicans' demands for pro-business reforms seriously, if they want GOP votes on taxes/revenue. pic.twitter.com/HWaLKHiIWm
The state of Illinois potentially will be on the hook for more than $5 billion in equity and financing costs if a provision to speed construction of a megaproject near Soldier Field is approved by the General Assembly in this weekend’s extended spring session.
Elements of the deal for the huge One Central project have been in the discussion stage for weeks, with Bob Dunn of Landmark Development meeting with House Speaker Mike Madigan, Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes and other officials.
But actual language didn’t surface until Friday afternoon, when it was included in a must-pass budget implementation bill.
The provisions would create a new Civic Transit and Infrastructure Fund. It would collect and disburse tax funds owed to a private developer “pursuant to the public private partnership entered into by the public agency on behalf of the state of Illinois to the Public-Private Partnership for Civic and Transit Infrastructure Project Act enacted in this amendatory act.” […]
Under the bill, the state would begin to pay $200 million a year to the private developer starting in 2023—presuming a contract is negotiated, and the big transit station that Dunn promises is operational then. The state would give him $200 million that year, with annual payments rising to $445 million in 2045.
*** UPDATE *** Pritzker administration…
There is no cost to the state in the BIMP. The Governor has not committed to developing this project. This allows Landmark to explore whether it’s viable for them to get federal backing. If they can, then we could consider whether or not we would like to do an agreement.
None of these provisions go into effect unless and until a separate agreement is reached. The BIMP allows GOMB to negotiate a P3 with Landmark and gives Landmark time to apply for federal RIFF funding in the event a deal can be reached in the future.
* Except where otherwise noted, none of these bills have yet to clear either chamber as of 3:26 this afternoon. List adapted from a Senate Democratic e-mail…
SB690 — Revenue for vertical (universities, etc) construction
HB3096 — Revenue bill for roads, bridges, transit (horizontal) construction
Capitol insiders speculated whether the overtime demand is a Madigan power play. If Pritzker had attained all his legislative priorities by the end of Friday, the rookie governor would be largely credited with the wins.
Legislators have complained that there was little time to digest comprehensive capital and budget bills — and negotiations were vastly done behind-the-scenes. House Republicans on Friday blasted out a statement accusing Democrats of increasing spending and neglecting any of their preferred job reforms. Republicans said the reforms were taken out on Friday morning, prompting the statement.
It appears Madigan, too, is trying to force some Republicans to vote on the budget and capital plan, to show that it is “bipartisan.” Republicans had asked for a real estate tax and the $1 tax on cigarettes to be removed from the capital plan. On Friday they learned the taxes were still on the table, and their requested reforms were stripped out.
Asked about the budget negotiation process during a House Executive Committee, House Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago, noted there was “less agreement than there was in the past.”
“Some things we agreed upon, some things we did not,” Harris said of negotiations with Republicans.
* Democrats voting “No” included Reps. Crespo, Deluca, Edly-Allen, Flowers, Moylan, Reitz and Scherer. Rep. Lilly voted “Present.” Rep. Ammons did not vote. Republicans voting “Yes” included Reps. Parkhurst, Skillicorn and Welter…
…Adding… GOP Rep. Parkhurst…
Today the House voted 66-47 with 2 Present to legalize and regulate the adult use of cannabis. Below is a statement from State Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee):
“The 79th District is split on the issue of the legalization of recreational use of cannabis for adults. For months, I’ve been meeting with advocates in support and opposition and studied the issue at length. Both sides of the argument have merit.
However, I concluded prohibition is not working and with the current Governor and legislature, it is clear our state is already on a path for legalizing adult use cannabis.
So, I was one of a few Republicans to take a seat at the table to push for and obtain important changes to improve the bill and protect our state through stronger public safety measures, more taxpayer and workplace protections, local control and revenue, and commitment to mental health and substance abuse services.
Will there be problems? Absolutely. But, we face many of those same problems now and we are facing them without appropriate regulation, resources, or revenue.
Cannabis prohibition is simply no longer working. The illicit market is too large to successfully repress. The choice is not whether to make cannabis available, but whether its production and use should be legal and regulated or illegal and unregulated.
To be sure, Cannabis is not harmless - Cannabis Use Disorder and use by minors are real and existing problems - this is why we need legislation to protect public health and to protect our communities through regulation.
This is why I voted yes.”
* Think Big…
Think Big Illinois Executive Director Quentin Fulks released the following statement today after the House passed marijuana legalization, sending it to Governor Pritzker to be signed into law:
“Today’s passage of marijuana legalization in the Illinois House of Representatives represents critical progress toward making Illinois a more just, more safe, and more equitable place for everyone who calls it home. Think Big Illinois applauds the legislators in both chambers who voted to support this legislation that will help end the era of mass incarceration, bring economic opportunity to our communities, and generate desperately needed revenue for our state.
“We look forward to Governor Pritzker signing this bill into law, and seeing how marijuana legalization will help our state and its communities in the years to come.”
State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, has signed on as co-sponsor of a bill that intends to kick Chicago out of Illinois and make it the 51st state. […]
McCombie is a chairperson of the House Republican Organization’s political action committee, which raises money for House campaigns.
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, HRO has accepted millions in donations from donors and corporations in the city of Chicago.
“Those dollars were before my time as HRO chairman,” McCombie said. “The majority of HRO are downstate members. We as a state, should be collectively working together. I hope that’s why (Chicago) donors are investing in HRO.”
Illinoisans should collectively work together, but she is a co-sponsor of a proposal to kick Chicago out of Illinois and she wants Chicago donors to give money to the campaign fund she chairs so they can spend it on Downstaters, some of whom want to kick Chicago out of Illinois.
Since the start of 2019, 22 Illinois State Police troopers have had their patrol vehicles struck by drivers who’ve disobeyed Scott’s Law. With Senate Bill 1862 passing both chambers, violators will now receive steeper fines.
The piece cleared the Senate Thursday evening, and in a news release on Friday Gov. J.B. Pritzker commended the bipartisan effort behind the bill and said he looks forward to signing the legislation.
“Our state troopers and emergency responders risk their lives to protect us, and I applaud the General Assembly for taking action to help keep them safe.” Pritzker said in the statement.
Drivers who fail to reduce their speed or move over when approaching stationary vehicles on the side of the road could be fined at least $500 for a first offense. The fine and fee increases to at least $1,000 for repeat offenses. The maximum fine for any offense is $10,000.
Illinois lawmakers are now one vote away from sending legislation to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk that would mandate a minimum $40,000 annual salary for the state’s teachers. Opponents say it will result in property tax hikes, particularly in downstate school districts.
Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, ushered Senate Bill 10 out of the Senate last month. House Bill 2078 was amended to match Manar’s earlier bill that would require the $40,000 minimum salary by 2023.
The legislation passed along partisan lines Wednesday.
“It would establish a minimum teacher salary in the state beginning in the 2020 school year of just over $32,000 and phase that up over the next four years,” Manar said.
Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, says the law would likely mean rural districts would have to raise property taxes to pay for the salary increases.
* Press release…
Both chambers of the Illinois legislature have now approved legislation filed by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) that will create stringent rules for ethylene oxide use and emissions, and shut down failing facilities.
“This bill strengthens the Illinois EPA seal order that sealed Sterigenics’ ethylene oxide chambers, and it creates the strongest ethylene oxide sterilization regulations in the nation,” said Sen. Curran. “I would like to thank Leader Durkin for his help in evolving this bill and passing it through the House.”
Senate Bill 1852 requires ethylene oxide sterilization facilities to capture 100% of the ethylene oxide emissions. Faculties would be required to limit emissions to the atmosphere by 99.9% or to 0.2 parts per million. The legislation also requires any company under a seal order to get certification from every customer and/or supplier that ethylene oxide is the only method to sterilize their product.
The legislation was filed in response to the ongoing Sterigenics crisis in Willowbrook. This legislation, along with several others Curran has passed through the General Assembly, are designed to protect the public from the hidden dangers of the deadly gas.
“These new standards will make sure that facilities are operating in a safe manner, or they will be shut down, and it also furthers our efforts to keep Sterigenics shut down,” said Senator Curran.
The legislation passed the Senate unanimously on May 30th and is now headed to the Governor for his signature.
* The House Republicans have been privately and publicly grumbling for days about being shut out of talks…
House Republican Deputy Minority Leader Tom Demmer released the following statement on the status of end of session negotiations:
“Our caucus is the only caucus that has been clear about our priorities for weeks. We asked for a balanced budget that addresses our unpaid bills and pension liability, and we advocated for meaningful pro-jobs reforms that our state so desperately needs. Earlier this week, there was an agreement on a path forward to address all of the issues before us. Unfortunately, Democrats withheld information, added additional taxes and rejected any attempts to grow our economy. With less than 12 hours to go, the Democrats are expecting the General Assembly to pass seven never-before-seen bills that spend more than $80 billion dollars. Illinois taxpayers deserve better.”
I’ve asked the other three caucuses for a response.
* Pastor Corey Musgrave of the New Beginnings church in Fairfield led the House in its daily prayer today at the invite of Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), an Eastern Bloc member. Musgrave began by thanking his maker for the “abundance of natural resources you have entrusted us with in the south,” and the “industrial capacity in the north.”
And then he pivoted to the House’s passage of the Reproductive Health Act this week, saying Illinois “has decided to go its own way apart from You.”
So, God, we have made our appeals to the leaders of Illinois this week on behalf of those innocent babies who do not yet have a voice. We have been a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves as You have commanded us. Those appeals were denied, but we have one final appeal left and that is to the courts of Heaven.
God Almighty, I make an appeal to Heaven today, to You the perfect judge, the One who presides over Heaven’s court.
I ask you to rise up, oh God, and judge Illinois for the sanctioned destruction of the innocent unborn. For when Your judgements are in this state, the inhabitants of Illinois learn righteousness. In this House I pray for justice to roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty river. In Your judgement I pray that You would remember mercy for we know that You, oh God, do not want anyone to be destroyed.
I ask this in the name of Your son, the one who died for a sinner like me, the one who was appointed to judge the living and the dead. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Breaking: @GovPritzker will NOT axe the private school tax credit scholarships so long as state fulfills education funding formula. Technically, he breaks a campaign promise, but honors GOP wishes. Some hardline folks in teachers unions may bristle, but they still get paid. Spox: pic.twitter.com/ljpEw7KOTG
Here was the plea from a single mother to @GovPritzker. She was beaming with pride about her children’s progress at their new school and couldn’t understand why the Governor had planned on phasing out the program: https://t.co/lvbdL3gm7d
Before the vote [on the graduated income tax constitutional amendment], “the governor personally reached out and said ‘it’s a priority of mine … I want to understand why you are in opposition to this,’” [Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook] recounted, adding he told Pritzker, “If we’re going to fix how we tax, it has to start with local property taxes.”
Likewise, [Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake], who said he’d vote against the graduated tax, also received Pritzker time.
“The governor was very proactive and engaging in a number of conversations,” said Yingling, who also pushed property tax relief. “The governor realizes this is a problem that hurts middle-class families and has to be addressed head-on.”
The result? Unenthused Democrats, including Carroll, Yingling, Rep. Daniel Didech of Buffalo Grove — who initially told the Daily Herald he opposed a graduated tax — and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego, who took no position, voted for the constitutional amendment Monday, helping to pass it in a 73-44 vote. Pritzker created a Property Tax Relief Task Force that is required to report back by Dec. 31 on how to reduce taxes. Members will include legislators and Pritzker staffers.
Rep. Carroll sponsored the legislation creating that task force, but it stalled yesterday when Republicans complained that it didn’t guarantee bipartisan membership. An amendment was filed this morning which allows all four legislative leaders to appoint task force members.
Yingling is a co-sponsor as are Reps. Stephanie Kifowit and Bob Morgan, who voted against the income tax rates bill yesterday.
“We had a task force that was created last General Assembly that had a couple of subject matter hearings, but that was the extent of it,” said state Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford. “I’m just curious what this means by having teeth in it because I don’t see anything within the wording of the task force that dictates or mandates any particular thing to happen.”
State Rep. Margo McDermed said she wasn’t impressed.
“I have no confidence whatsoever that anything will change other than the folks that like the status quo the way it is will destroy your hopes,” she told Carroll.
Carroll said the governor had reassured him that changing the way the state taxes residents must change.
Illinois has created task forces or commissions of one form or another to address property taxes in 1975, 1982, 1998, 2009, and 2018, according to an Illinois Department of Revenue report and comments from Sosnowski.
* Related…
* House OK, sends to Senate rates for graduated income tax: But House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, said he was proud to be the “party of no” on some of the state’s previously passed unbalanced budgets. He said “history will not look kindly” on the General Assembly for the changes to the tax code and the “anti-business agenda” he said Democrats were pushing in the past four months.
* Springfield scramble: Crunch time for legislators on pot, gaming, budget, other issues: During debate, State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, likened taxing the wealthy to the wild: “That’s what hyenas do to animals in the wild.” “They divide them, they sanction them up and they after after the small group because they’re easier to attack,” Davidsmeyer said. But bill sponsor State Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, championed it as a way for voters to have a say in a historic way: “I would suggest stability is better than what we have right now.”
* With a Full Slate, Time is Running Out for Illinois Lawmakers: Democrats say passing the new rate table this early will help to assure voters as they decide whether to back the constitutional change. … But Republicans say these are merely “teaser” rates during what’s sure to be a hard-fought campaign on the amendment, which are sure to spike in the future. “This is just a poorly structured package. It gives no guarantees to the taxpayers. It’s a huge tax increase across the board,” said Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills.
* Illinois House OKs graduated tax rate schedule: Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, said a tax hike focused on the wealthy could lead to problems if there is a downturn in the economy that affects wealthy earners. “When their income goes down the drop is going to be precipitous,” he said. Democrats, though, said the flat tax system is unfair to lower and middle incomes. Rep. Michael Halpin, D-Rock Island, said incomes for the wealthy have grown under the flat tax while others have stagnated. “Who’s done better under the flat tax? The top 1 percent,” he said. “So ask yourself who is being protected by the flat tax system.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** The operating budget bill has surfaced. Click here.
The operating budget will begin in the House and the capital budget will start in the Senate.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The gaming/sports betting bill has been filed. Click here to read it. Click here to read a summary. It’ll be heard today at 1:30 in House Exec.
A source with knowledge of the spending plan in SB262 said it increases funding for K-12 education to $375 million, which is $25 million more than is required by the evidence-based funding formula lawmakers implemented several years ago.
Early childhood education will get a $50 million increase, the source said. For higher education, including community colleges, there are increases ranging from 3 to 9 percent above the current fiscal year.
The spending plan includes a 9 percent increase for the Department on Aging, a 10 percent increase for the Department of Children and Family Services, a 10 percent increase for public health programs that focus on breast cancer screening, vaccines and immunizations, lead screening and safety net hospitals.
The Illinois Department of Corrections would get 7.4 percent more to help comply with various consent decrees.
The Illinois Department of Transportation would get a 20 percent increase from the current fiscal year to increase its headcount and administer capital projects.
*** UPDATE 5 *** The vertical capital bill is here.
Chicago would get a new mega-casino with the proceeds earmarked to pay for police and fire pensions under a mammoth gambling expansion deal in the final stages of negotiation, a key legislator said Thursday.
State Sen. Terry Link, D-Vernon Hills, the Senate sponsor of the bill, said the Chicago casino would allow for 4,000 gaming positions, making it more than three times larger than any casino currently operating in Illinois.
Link said it would be part of a broader deal creating six new casinos across the state and bringing slot machines to three horse racing tracks, essentially turning them into casinos as well.
In addition, the nearly 7,000 businesses that offer video gambling would be allowed to add one machine per establishment — in itself the equivalent of almost six more casinos.
The Chicago casino would not be city-owned, the oft-stated preference of previous mayors, but the city would get a better deal than other municipalities that host casinos, receiving 33 percent of the adjusted gross receipts, Link said. Other communities only get 5 percent.
* From that Journey to the Center of the Square site…
Big items left unresolved late Thursday included how to pay for a proposed $41 billion, six-year infrastructure plan. State Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, said he wasn’t ready to reveal details about how it would be funded. However, he said that motorists can expect to see the state’s gas tax double.
“There’s full agreement the 19 cent gas tax indexed is part of the revenue stream that is needed,” Sandoval said. […]
State Sen. Jim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove, said he was told a proposed $1 surcharge on ride-sharing services was nixed. Oberweis also said one plan to fund the state budget may have been dropped.
“No bag tax at this point, so a few of these things are supposed, but you know the problem is by [Friday] these things could change,” Oberweis said.
I kid that company and its constantly changing name, but they do have some good reporters and they put out a lot of content.
Key budget negotiators say the fiscal year 2020 spending plan, which will take effect July 1, is not banking on the passage of gambling; revenues would instead be key to a large capital program.
Nor, they say, does the budget depend on Illinois legalizing marijuana, though that is close to passage: Late Thursday night a House committee advanced a broad package that would allow Illinois residents ages 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of marijuana come January.
* The working group meetings that have been tackling these issues have become secret committee hearings and it’s getting to be a bit much…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is counting on a host of new revenue streams to fund the budget he proposed to the General Assembly. Those include higher taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, higher taxes on video gambling machines, a new plastic shopping bag tax, and a new assessment on managed care organizations that manage the state’s Medicaid program.
But as lawmakers head into the final scheduled day of the 2019 spring session today, none of those bills has been passed. In fact, no one outside the General Assembly has even seen a final draft of them.
Nor, in fact, have they seen a final version of a budget bill, the multi-year capital improvements plan or a gaming bill that would include the legalized sports betting that Pritzker has proposed.
“Stay tuned tomorrow,” Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee, said in an interview late Thursday evening.
Private negotiations are essential to legislating. The working groups go way beyond that, however.
* Several sources confirmed this morning that AFSCME and state negotiators reached an agreement in the wee hours of the night. I’ll update this post with press releases, etc. in a bit. Until then, here’s Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch shaking hands with CMS chief negotiator Robb Craddock…
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Early this morning, Governor JB Pritzker’s administration and AFSCME Council 31—the largest union of Illinois state employees—reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.
As always, terms will be released after union members have the opportunity to review and vote on the tentative agreement at worksite ratification meetings to be scheduled in the coming days.
“With this tentative agreement, Illinois has turned another important page from years of brutal ideological warfare,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Instead, this agreement respects the valuable contributions our workers make to the state and treats all our taxpayers fairly, thanks to months of negotiations that were constructive and frank. This agreement will be accommodated in the budget that the General Assembly will vote on today, and even more importantly, it is consistent with my long-term plans to stabilize Illinois’ finances.”
“This agreement reflects a fresh start for public service workers in state government,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “For four years, union members did their jobs and served their communities despite Bruce Rauner’s chaos, hostility and constant attacks. In the Pritzker administration, AFSCME members have an employer who understands the importance of their work, respects their rights and is a constructive partner in the collective bargaining process.”
AFSCME represents nearly 40,000 state employees who protect kids from abuse and neglect, care for veterans and people with disabilities, keep prisons safe, maintain state parks, help struggling families and provide countless other vital public services in communities across the state.
And after clearing changes to a recreational cannabis legalization measure, the Illinois House must debate it on the floor. Facing opposition, bill sponsors scaled back expungement provisions in the measure and narrowed down home grow for just medical marijuana patients, among other changes.
The Illinois House planned to take up the cannabis measure at a Thursday night committee meeting, to clear it for a vote on Friday. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who helped to shape the expungement changes, came to Springfield to testify on the measure.
The original language would have automatically expunged an estimated 800,000 convictions. The revised language means those with convictions for cannabis possession convictions under 30 grams can get pardoned by the governor. States attorneys would then be able to petition the court to expunge the record. A judge would direct law enforcement agencies and county clerks to clear their record.
While the bill sponsor remained optimistic about its passage, House Democrats met during a lengthy caucus about the bill earlier Thursday. It’s unclear whether there’s enough support, so a close vote is anticipated, sources said. But Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan will likely play a big role in helping Gov. J.B. Pritzker secure enough votes for passage since it’s considered one of the governor’s key legislative priorities this session.
Way too many people out there spiked the ball in the endzone after the Senate passed the legalization bill. This ain’t over until it’s over.
Among those testifying in support of the bill at Thursday’s committee hearing was Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, a proponent of the bill’s expungement provisions.
“This is not simply a measure of social justice and equity; it is a public safety issue,” Foxx said. Clearing people’s records of marijuana convictions would help them gain access to educational and job opportunities and help prevent them from committing future crimes, she said.
Opponents have raised concerns that the bill will increase teen use of marijuana and result in more people driving while high, and have also cited health concerns, among other problems.
Ahead of the committee vote, supporters said privately that they expected a close vote on the House floor due to concerns from African American lawmakers that provisions to provide expungement were more complicated than had originally been envisioned.
* Foxx’s testimony was designed to address some of the concerns expressed by African-American House members from the Chicago area…
It’s a matter of “going back and writing the wrongs,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who was in Springfield to testify in favor of the measure (House Bill 1438) and had worked to negotiate the revised clemency process.
“Even a misdemeanor conviction has longstanding collateral consequences,” Foxx said, like employment and housing obstacles. “We must be responsible about legalization. I believe this bill does that. And I believe that the components related to expungements is the best that we could hope for, for the people of the state of Illinois.”
As I tweeted last night, appointed freshman Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) hinted he may not be a “Yes” when the bill is brought up today.
GOP Rep. David Welter says "We were respected. We were engaged with." He gives credit to @GovPritzker for including Republicans in a bipartisan process to legalize marijuana.
* And the News-Gazette seems to bemoan the failure of alcohol prohibition in an editorial today…
People, of course, rightly complain that consuming alcoholic beverages is no better. But alcohol is a reality that this country has tried — and failed — to address. Pritzker now intends to double down on the mortal threat posed by these twin, soon-to-be-legal intoxicants.
How ironic it is that Pritzker, who repeatedly cited the serious difficulties posed by his mother’s alcoholism, now celebrates dropping this time bomb into the lives of the people of Illinois.
Yeah, bring his mom into it. Lovely.
* The House brought the bill to the floor this morning and the Republicans requested a one-hour caucus. Watch the live coverage post for instant updates today.
