Metro East Sun

The Illinois General Assembly recently concluded its Fall Veto Session, and while there were some bipartisan victories, the session was mostly marked by the Democrats' failure to address important issues and deliver on key promises. Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch refused to call for a vote on the renewal of the Invest in Kids legislation, effectively ending a program that supports underprivileged students in Illinois. Additionally, the Democrats failed to provide a solution for Chicago voters who are eager to elect their own school board, highlighting the dysfunction of the legislators in Springfield.

Furthermore, the Democratic Supermajority remained silent on important matters such as standing with Israel and addressing corruption within the state. This silence is particularly concerning given the ongoing Burke Trial and the recent guilty plea of a top Pritzker-appointee. It appears that the Supermajority Democrats have lost interest in ethics reform.

However, despite these failures, there were some bipartisan successes during the session. A nuclear energy deal was passed, allowing for the future construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). This is a step towards addressing the energy crisis in Illinois caused by the Democrats' decision to phase out baseload energy production. Additionally, temporary assistance was given to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to help address delays in issuing professional licenses, which will ultimately help more Illinoisans find work.

Another significant achievement during the session was the approval of a bill authorizing the construction of next-generation small modular reactors in Illinois. This legislation will help the state explore new options for energy production, lower electricity rates, boost the economy, and create jobs. The bill received overwhelming support in the House, with a vote of 98-8-0.

In other news, the Illinois State Police is currently drafting permanent rules to implement a statewide ban on certain firearms. The ban, enacted earlier this year, has faced court challenges, and the State Police has published temporary and proposed rules to guide implementation. However, there have been concerns raised by Second Amendment advocates regarding the clarity and definitions of the banned firearms and associated objects. The State Police has created a webpage to address some of these concerns, but many critics remain unsatisfied. A Joint Committee on Administrative Rules has secured a commitment from the State Police to listen to and respond to concerns submitted by concerned Illinoisans, even after the legal comment deadline.

Furthermore, a resolution was approved by the Legislative Audit Commission to conduct an audit of the spending on free healthcare for undocumented immigrants in Illinois. With an estimated 450,000 undocumented immigrants in the state, taxpayers deserve transparency on how much is being spent on providing free healthcare to this population. The audit will provide a comprehensive account of the costs associated with this program.

In conclusion, the Fall Veto Session of the Illinois General Assembly was marked by both failures and successes. The Democrats' inability to address important issues and deliver on promises is concerning. However, there were some bipartisan victories, such as the approval of a nuclear energy deal and assistance for professional license delays. The State Police's drafting of permanent rules for the firearms ban and the approval of an audit on spending for free healthcare for undocumented immigrants also show ongoing efforts to address important matters in the state.

Click this link to access more information: https://repelik.com/2023/11/14/capitol-update-10/