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Counting the absent legislators

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Illinois

* WCIA looks at absences during the overtime session…

The House has met five times, and the Senate four. By party, Democrats recorded 38 absences and Republicans 37. […]

Two lawmakers missed more than two sessions. State Representative Monique Davis (D-Chicago) missed all five sessions in June. Representatives in her office declined to go into specific details regarding her absence.

State Senator Chris Nybo (R-Westmont) missed the first three sessions. Representatives from Nybo’s capitol office said the senator “had been busy catching up with work from his Chicago office.”

Some lawmakers cited travel plans, district events, and planned vacations as reasons for absences.

Rep. Davis has been ill. Sen. Nybo will likely take a bit of ribbing for that Chicago remark.

It also seems a little odd that even though Republicans make up just 38 percent of the General Assembly, they racked up almost half of all absences. Then again, they’re in the minority and they aren’t really voting for many bills when they are in town.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 9:58 am

Comments

===Then again, they’re in the minority and they aren’t really voting for many bills when they are in town.===

I heard when GOP GA legislators leave town, they leave their voting keys in a bin on the Governor’s Mansion stoop…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:03 am
I read they get extra pay for overtime sessions. Do they get this pay even if they don’t show up?

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:08 am
==I read they get extra pay for overtime sessions===

Please don’t post nonsense like that on this blog.

The only way they get paid for things like per diem is if the governor calls a special session.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:12 am
Until the Gov and 4 tops hash out a framework of what might be acceptable to the caucuses, individual legislators are largely set dressing in an overtime session. Of course its politically unacceptable to say that, but we are at the point where a few negotiate for the many.

Comment by relocated Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:13 am
The first few comments here are frustrating, as they center around legislator compensation. Please learn the facts, and stick to the subject at hand (absences). This thread is illustrative of the flawed tendency to focus on the symbolic over the substantive.

Comment by out of touch Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:23 am
So the Turnaround party isn’t concerned enough to show up to do any turning around. Both sides see our situation as a political stalemate due to personal issues among our statewide leaders. Their lack of action or even attendance says more than their mouths ever could, right?

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:27 am
Ok Legislators………what may seem like a game to you is effecting the lives of millions. We elected you…..at a time of crisis that we currently are in I and the great people of Illinois expect you to be in Springfield working to fix the issues of your own making…..not on vacation, at a cookout or other event! We DESERVE better. Please!

Comment by Bushwacker Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:27 am
I like symbolism — it sometimes conveys more truth than a pig sty full of substantial sh%*#.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:28 am
I’m sort of amazed that any of the Republicans show up at all.

Is there a major difference between present and not voting that I’m missing? Is there an opponent somewhere who will pounce on absent but be OK with “present”?

For the good of the environment, they may as well stay home. Don’t bother burning the gas to get to town.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:34 am
Nybo’s busy. Lol.

Comment by Georg Sande Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:47 am
Miss session? It is my understanding that most legislators have another paying job when they are not in session. Plus they are not being paid to show up at the capitol. They will show up when it is soup.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:54 am
I understand the ways of the Mushroom, but that’s a choice, not a requirement.

Tney signed up for the gig, they should be there. It’s pretty damning to argue that you’re irrelevant to the process.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 11:40 am
“They signed up for the gig, they should be there. It’s pretty damning to argue that you’re irrelevant to the process.”

Yep. Show up for work.

Comment by Liandro Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:28 pm
= They will show up when it is soup. =

= I understand the ways of the Mushroom =

Cream of Mushroom soup?

Comment by cover Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:32 pm
Allen Iverson voice “We talkin’ ’bout practice. Not the game. Practice.”

If they miss the budget vote then let’s criticize. Otherwise, who cares besides downstate news teams trying to fill time.

Can’t wait for the “How much overtime is costing you” stories next.

Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 12:58 pm
Nybo “had been busy catching up with work from his Chicago office.” Oh.

Comment by Ottawa Phil Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:13 pm
Liz - normally, I would agree with you. However, last week’s one month budget vote in the Senate saw 11 members missing. That’s almost 20% of the entire body. Not good.

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 1:29 pm
The “Cream of Mushroom soup” is almost ready to eat.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Jul 7, 15 @ 10:45 pm