Legislators Return to Springfield for Lame-Duck Session
Illinois lawmakers were in Springfield from January 4 through January 7 for a “lame-duck session” to tackle the remaining business of the 103rd General Assembly.
In years when they occur, lame-duck sessions are held after the election and the Fall Veto Session, and before newly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. In my opinion, it’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions. We see some of the worst legislation during lame-duck sessions.
The majority party takes advantage of lame-duck sessions because it is easier to pass bills during that window of time. During veto session, a supermajority vote is required to pass a bill, which equates to 36 votes in the Senate. Once the calendar turns to January, however, just a simple majority vote is needed, which is 30 votes in the Senate. Those six votes become very important when a controversial, unpopular bill is considered.
The most recent lame-duck session took place in January 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. The 2021 lame-duck session led to the passage of the controversial (un)SAFE-T Act. Back in 2011, the lame-duck session led to the passage of a 67% increase in the state’s income tax.
This year’s lame-duck session proved to be no different. On Sunday, January 5, during a severe snowstorm and while most of the media were not present, Democrats pushed through HB 5164, which makes it easier for illegal immigrants to change their names, whitewash their criminal backgrounds, and evade law enforcement at the local, state, national, and international levels. With the passage of this law, illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes can simply change their names, making it difficult for law enforcement or immigration officials to track them down.
HB 5164 passed in a 33-16 vote. It would have failed to meet the vote threshold during veto session.
I spoke out against this ridiculous bill on the Senate Floor. You can watch my remarks here.
New General Assembly A Time to Welcome Opportunities
The 104th General Assembly convened on January 8. The convening of a new two-year General Assembly is a time for lawmakers to renew their commitment to finding solutions for current challenges and embrace new opportunities for Illinois. The state faces significant challenges, making it critical for Senate members to focus on responsible solutions that are in the best interest of Illinois families.
The Illinois state budget faces a projected deficit of more than $3 billion in the next fiscal year, due in part to a significant increase in state spending fueled by legislative Democrats. Spending growth has been further driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s initiatives, including programs for migrants and illegal immigrants, such as free healthcare, which cost Illinois taxpayers over $1 billion annually. To support these programs, the Governor recently enacted $1 billion in tax increases.
I am urging Governor Pritzker to balance the upcoming budget without raising taxes, as struggling Illinoisans cannot afford to cover the cost of the Governor’s self-made budget crisis.
Unemployment Numbers Troublesome
The end of 2024 brought little relief for Illinois workers, with unemployment remaining stubbornly high at levels well above the national average.
State reports showed Illinois companies announced 1,176 layoffs in November. October’s unemployment rate of 5.3% was the third highest in the nation, with job reports indicating an estimated 346,000 Illinoisans were seeking work. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 37th in the nation for business tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate report.
Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and common-sense economic growth initiatives are opportunities that could help boost jobs and restore prosperity to Illinois communities.
