In the following email, State Rep. Mike Tryon explains what happened during the veto session this past week:
Due to the inadequate amount of road salt provided to McHenry County during last year’s harsh winter, I supported an appropriations bill to provide approximately $34 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the purchase of additional road salt.
The legislation passed both the House and Senate and will create safer road conditions for all Illinois residents during the winter months.
The legislation also appropriated $40 million to make payments to 29 hospitals in Illinois with the highest level of Medicaid patients. With Medicaid providers waiting months for reimbursement and many on the verge of closing their doors, this legislation will help the state meet its Medicaid payment obligations.
The House and Senate also passed legislation I co-sponsored to ensure children with autism receive the care they need. Senate Bill 934 requires insurers to provide extended autism coverage for children up to age 21, with a maximum of $36,000 per year. The bill has been sent to the Governor for final approval.
In order to help stimulate the horse racing industry in Illinois, I supported legislation to allow the industry to receive 3% of revenues from casinos. McHenry County has 43 thoroughbread horse farms and this bill, which passed the House and Senate will help racing in Illinois become a viable industry again.
Following the adjournment of veto session, Governor Blagojevich took action on legislation that would have restored $230 million of his previous budget cuts. The Governor restored $176 million in spending for substance abuse centers, state parks and human service agencies, among other items. However, he chose to make $55 million in line item vetoes for historic sites, and several state agencies.
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you in Springfield. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or input regarding state issues.
The picture above, with McHenry County Board member Dan Shea in the background was obviously taken in warmer weather.