* 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.”
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* 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.
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* 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…
autism, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, osteoarthritis, anorexia nervosa, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Neuro-Behcet’s Autoimmune Disease, neuropathy, polycystic kidney disease, superior canal dehiscence syndrome
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,”
A summary of the bill can be found here.
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Updated cheat sheet on the big stuff
Saturday, Jun 1, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’ve updated yesterday’s list…
SB690 — Revenue (gaming, cigarette tax hike, etc.) for vertical (universities, etc) construction [Passed the House 87-27, pending in the Senate]
HB3096 — FY20 operating revenue [Passed by Senate, pending in the House]
Added: SB 689 (HA3) — FY20 operating revenue with Leader Durkin’s pro-business requests. [Passed the House, Senate awaiting House action]
HB142 — Bond authorization [Passed the Senate, passed the House]
SB1814 — Budget Implementation Act (BIMP) [Passed the House 97-17-1, pending in the Senate]
HB62 — Construction appropriations/spending [Passed both chambers]
SB262 — FY20 operating appropriations/spending [Passed both chambers.
SB75 — Comprehensive anti-sexual harassment proposal [Passed the House 114-0, pending in the Senate]
SB25 — Reproductive Health Act [Passed both chambers]
SB1966 — Fix the FOID [Passed House, stalled in Senate]
Added: SB1939 — Capital taxes/fees. [Passed the House, pending in the Senate.]
Added: SB2023 — Expand medical cannabis program. [Passed the House, pending in the Senate.]
If I’ve missed something, please let me know in comments and I’ll add it.
…Adding… There was a change overnight and I didn’t catch it. HB3096 became the revenue plan for the operating budget. Change is reflected above.
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* The House had been scheduled to convene at 10 this morning. Then came this e-mail from the House Speaker’s office…
Session will be delayed until noon today
Go back to bed.
*** UPDATE *** From the Senate President’s office…
The Senate anticipates returning to session at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
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* 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…
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
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* I’ve been telling subscribers about these meetings for a few hours…
Cullerton has been bouncing around all over the place.
*** UPDATE *** He’s been pushing these ideas for at least a week now…
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* Greg Hinz…
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.
(If you want to read it for yourself, click here and go to pages 876, 904, 922, 941 and 978.)
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.
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* 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
SB689 — FY20 operating revenue
HB142 — Bond authorization
SB1814 — Budget Implementation Act (BIMP)
HB62 — Construction appropriations/spending
SB262 — FY20 operating appropriations/spending
SB690 — Gaming/sports betting
SB75 — Comprehensive anti-sexual harassment proposal
SB25 — Reproductive Health Act (passed House, pending in Senate)
Added: SB1966 — Fix the FOID (passed House, pending in Senate)
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* Ugh…
…Adding… I asked the Senate President’s spokesperson if the Senate will be in session this weekend and his response was: “Let’s see how today goes.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** The end of session party is proceeding as planned.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Sun-Times…
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.
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* 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.”
All other releases will be posted on our live coverage post.
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*** 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.
*** UPDATE 3 *** The horizontal capital bill is here.
*** UPDATE 4 *** From the Journey to the Center of the Square outfit…
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.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* Mark Brown…
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.
* WTTW…
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.
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