A press release from State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

Veto Session Preview – from Senator Karen McConnaughay

This week the General Assembly returns to Springfield for a Fall Veto Session regarding just 3 vetoed bills and with no anticipation that the number one problem in the State of Illinois, the pension crisis, will be resolved.

With a mere 10 vetoes coming out of the Governor’s office this year, out of the almost 600 bills that the General Assembly passed in the spring, 7 of those vetoes have already been dealt with and are off the table.

Of the three vetoes left to discuss, the first on the list is House Bill 1200, which reduced the number of days that aquariums and museums must be open to the public free of charge. This bill was aimed at decreasing the number of free public days from 52 to 26, alleviating some of the burden on struggling institutions.

Overturning the veto on the Mass Transit Bids Senate Bill, SB1474, that would have increased the CTA, RTA, Metra, and Pace bid threshold, is also on the table. Without the Governor’s veto, this bill would have increased the bid threshold to $40,000 from its current limit at just $10,000.

And we will also consider overturning the amendatory veto on HB2454, the Township Advisory Referenda, which was aimed at limiting township referendums to only those which are directly in regards to business of the township.

With legislators scheduled to be in Springfield all next week, and so few vetoed bills to consider, it would indicate that there should be ample opportunities to discuss other pressing issues affecting the State.

However, that is not likely the case.

As a solution to the pension crisis has not been presented to legislators, it is safe to assume that many will be anxiously awaiting recommendations from the Conference Committee.

Since June, this bipartisan committee has focused on this issue, attempting to work towards a solution that could muster a majority of votes and be a win for the legislature.

Frustrating for all, a viable solution has yet to materialize.

With a Governor who has declined involvement in the process or any kind of guidance to finding a fix, it is no wonder that we have not made any headway.

A few other high-profile issues may also come up for discussion next week.

Likely on the list is discussion surrounding an incentive package for Decatur based Archer Daniels Midland, who has threatened to take their headquarters out of Decatur.

Discussion of mandatory prison terms for some gun violations is bound to come up after its proposal by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The concern on this issue being the broadness by which this measure is written and the fear that it could snare first-time offenders who inadvertently violate the law.

And the last issue hitting the waves lately is surrounding “poker run” fundraisers.

This common fundraising tool of motorcycle groups and enthusiasts has been negatively affected by legislation that was implemented, after the groups discovered that the costs associated with securing the necessary licensing to hold a “poker run” can often exceed the amount generally raised for the charity!

Despite only 3 vetoes on the agenda next week, it is anybody’s guess as to what issues will actually be brought to the table.

There is no doubt a need to get work done, a sentiment shared by the citizens of Illinois.

Spending the summer out in the District, talking with constituents each day, there is one common theme I am hearing, and that is the need for the General Assembly to start solving real problems and get the state moving back in the right direction.