from State Representative Michael Connelly
Naperville, IL - State lawmakers will return to Springfield for the fall veto session beginning October 14th to address a number of unresolved issues. According to State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville), the Governor has vetoed a total of 61 bills this year, 10 entirely and 51 in part using his power of amendatory veto.
“Lawmakers will have to reconsider all of the bills that the Governor has altered or rejected and decide whether or not we agree with his recommendations,” said Connelly. “One of the major issues we need to revisit is campaign finance reform. With one governor in prison and another impeached and awaiting trial, I was pleased Governor Quinn vetoed HB 7. This bill was not true campaign finance reform and was a disservice to the taxpayers of Illinois. I am hopeful that all four caucus, good government groups and the Governor can come together during the fall veto session to craft and pass real campaign finance reform.”
Connelly said the state’s budget crisis will also continue to be at the forefront of discussion during the fall veto session. While Governor Quinn has publicly stated that he wants to postpone consideration of an income tax hike until after the February primary election, much work remains to be done to help stabilize our budget situation. Among the issues needed to be addressed are:
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MAP Grants for College Students – The legislature will look at ways to provide $200 million in funding for MAP grants. The House Republicans have proposed tax amnesty legislation which would allow delinquent taxpayers to pay what they owe in income and sales taxes over a month and a half long period in early 2010 with NO interest or penalty. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability estimates that this program could generate approximately $104.9 million for MAP grant tuition scholarships.
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Medicaid Funding – The state is currently facing an $800 million deficit in Medicaid funding. A group of lawmakers has been meeting this summer to consider and debate Medicaid Reform ideas and could bring forth their recommendations.
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Pension Reforms –The Governor’s commission on pension reforms which has been meeting all summer is expected to make its recommendations on October 2nd. The legislature will discuss and possibly act on those recommendations.
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Recall – Placing a referendum on the ballot in November 2010 that would give the voters of Illinois the ability to recall the Governor. The House already approved this legislation (HJRCA 31) back in May. It currently awaits a vote in the State Senate.
“I am anxious to return to Springfield for my first veto session and am hopeful we will have the opportunity to vote on meaningful ethics reforms and measures that will improve the state’s fiscal condition – while protecting the taxpayers,” said Rep. Connelly.