State Representative Larry Walsh Jr (D-Elwood) has made the following statement regarding his votes on the budget bills that came before the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday.
“Last night was certainly not my preferred solution for moving Illinois forward, but with the full framework of the budget passed and faced with the immediate threat of the state returning to the Rauner years of unbalanced budgets and broken promises, I made the incredibly difficult choice to support Governor Pritzker’s revenue enhancements.
“While I have significant concerns about the path this budget sets us on, I could not in good conscience vote to jeopardize public safety, cause chaos for our public service providers, or allow uncertainty to derail the work my colleagues and I have done to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house. The cost of inaction was simply too great to stand by and allow the budget to become unbalanced.
“Over the coming months I will be engaging with leadership in both chambers, the Governor, and the other members of my caucus that have legitimate concerns with how this budget was constructed to make it clear that we cannot allow a budget process like we saw early this morning to happen again.”
Local state lawmakers in the Democratic supermajority believe the 2024 Illinois legislative session was largely a success, while Republicans may say otherwise.
The session concluded early Wednesday morning after the House stayed up overnight to pass a $53.1 billion budget. The spending legislation passed 65-45, with seven Democrats joining their GOP counterparts in opposition.
“This budget aims to make state government more efficient, while responsibly focusing our resources on matters families care about — including local schools and public safety,” said Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, in a statement. “From early childhood through college, this is a smart plan that is going to help our kids unlock their potential.”
State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, looks to his colleagues on Feb. 21 before the governor’s budget address at the Capitol in Springfield.
With approval from both chambers, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he will sign the budget, which will spend about $400 million more than he requested during his February budget address.
In this budget, the second-term governor got some key legislative priorities — like repealing Illinois’ 1% grocery tax in 2026. Both chambers also approved a health insurance bill designed to curb insurance tactics used to control the amount and cost of care patients receive.
The budget also included an increase to the tax rate paid by sportsbooks, where gamblers can wager on games. The current rate of 15% will rise to 20% to 40% based on the profits of the sportsbook.
Lawmakers also extended a cap on the amount of operational losses corporations can write off on their income taxes. In total, the two tax changes total $1.1 billion in state revenue.
Republicans argue that raising taxes in current economic conditions is not the right move.
“The people of Illinois deserve better,” said Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, in a statement. “Unfortunately, they won’t get it this year, thanks to the governor and his allies who just can’t stop treating the people of Illinois like their personal piggy bank.”
The GOP in Springfield has regularly lambasted Democrats for spending state funds on noncitizens over the past couple of years.
Brian Munoz
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St. Louis Public Radio
Rep. Amy Elik, R-Godfrey, speaks during a Republican press conference on Feb. 21 after the budget address at the Capitol in Springfield.
Illinois will spend $182 million in this year’s budget to provide shelter, health care and other services for migrants who have been bused from Texas to Chicago. Another $440 million provides funding for Medicaid-like benefits to noncitizens.
“Most of my constituents feel that that’s taking away from programs that are helping them and their families,” said Rep. Amy Elik, R-Godfrey.
Both chambers did not stop its members’ salaries increasing with inflation annually, which is written into state law. In the next fiscal year, their salaries will grow by 5% to more than $93,000.
Many Republicans criticized the Democratic-controlled chambers for allowing the raises.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt, R-Millstadt, urged lawmakers to donate the extra cash to a charity in their district.
“We don’t need pay raises,” he said. “The people back home need that money.”
Brian Munoz
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Rep. Kevin Schmidt, R-Millstadt, on Feb. 21 before Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address at the Capitol in Springfield.
Since 2019, Pritzker and the Democrats in both chambers have not passed a budget with a Republican vote — thanks to their supermajorities.
“I am still hopeful that one year I’ll be able to vote yes on a budget,” Elik said. “I am an optimist. I want to be part of the process.”
This session and the budget was not all a loss, though, Elik said. Seven pieces of legislation she sponsored await the governor’s signature.
For example, one bill will allow retired teachers to go back to work in a school district that’s short on a certain subject. If retired teachers return, it wouldn’t change their state pension.
“This is something to help with a teacher shortage,” Elik said. “I’m really proud that got through.”
“When we’re good stewards with the budget, we can more effectively address the challenges facing communities in the Metro East,” Hoffman said.
Now with state lawmakers out on summer break, Pritzker will sign or veto remaining legislation. Legislators will return at some point this fall for a veto session.
Capitol News Illinois’ Jerry Nowicki contributed to this report.
New legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly is aimed at easing the financial burden on disabled veterans who need to modify their homes to accommodate their disabilities, according to a news release from State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego.
Senate Bill 2751 amends the Counties Code to provide a building permit fee waiver for veterans with disabilities and their caregivers when modifications are needed to accommodate the veteran’s disability, according to the release.
The bill, which Kifowit co-sponsored, received unanimous support in the House, where it passed on Wednesday, May 15. The bill passed the Senate in April, where it was sponsored by State Sen. Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, and now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature.
“This legislation is a critical step in recognizing the sacrifices made by our disabled veterans,” said Kifowit, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
“By eliminating the building permit fees for necessary home modifications, we are ensuring that my fellow veterans can focus on their recovery and quality of life without the added financial stress. I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill has received, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting those who have served our country,” she stated in the release from her office.
Veterans or their caregivers must provide proof of veteran status and evidence of the necessary improvements due to the disability. The determination of proof is at the discretion of the county or municipality, with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs not adjudicating disputes arising from this proposal, according to the release.
“Navigating the difficulties of home renovations is tough enough for disabled veterans,” McConchie stated in the release. “This legislation ensures they won’t encounter additional financial burdens from city permit fees. Our veterans have done so much for us, and this is just one small thing we are able to do for them.”
If signed by the governor, the legislation would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025
For more information on SB 2751 and its provisions, contact Kifowit’s office at 630-585-1308 or stephanie.kifowit@att.net
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — If your car or license plate are stolen in Illinois, you’re financially responsible for the replacement fees.
But that may soon change as Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) applauded the Illinois House and General Assembly passing Senate Bill 3471, which would waive fees for replacing a license plate or registration sticker.
“When someone has their vehicle stolen, the last thing they need to deal with is license plate fees on top of all the other hassles they’re addressing,” Gordon-Booth said. “This is a commonsense measure that will help crime victims return things to normal with one less headache.”
Currently, law requires a $6 fee for a duplicate plate and a $20 fee for duplicate registration stickers.
After passing in the General Assembly with bipartisan support, it now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – The Illinois state House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday creating and extending tax incentives lawmakers hope will attract businesses and create jobs.
The bill would extend the state’s research and development tax credit until Jan. 1, 2032. It was set to expire Jan. 1, 2027.
It would also create a tax credit for quantum computing campuses with the goal of attracting more quantum jobs to the state.
It also extends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit from 10 to 15 years. It incentivizes large projects with more than $50 million and 100 employees.
“This bill puts us in the best possible position to bring Illinois into a leadership role to attract new economy jobs and new investment,” said state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, the bill’s sponsor.
Though the bill passed with broad bipartisan support with a 98-14 vote, several House Republicans did oppose the bill. State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said he thinks the incentives are unfair to most taxpayers.
“The reality is all of these things only go to big business, large corporations, and the small businesses and the individuals in the State of Illinois are left to foot the bill,” he said.
The bill also adds green steel manufacturers and hybrid and fully electric aircraft manufacturers to the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) tax credit program.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — A new bill that is heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk would help disabled veterans who need to modify their homes.
Illinois Senate Bill 2751, will amend the codes in Illinois counties, townships and municipalities so that disabled veterans or their caretakers will not be charged any building permit fee.
The waived fee will be for any project at the residence of a disabled veteran that will make accommodations for the veteran’s disability.
The Illinois Senate passed the bill in April, and the Illinois House passed the bill on Wednesday. State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) voted for the bill and said it was the least we could do for our veterans.
“Many of these individuals were willing to put their body on the line for us, and we should be looking at ways to support them here at home,” Gordon-Booth said. “We’re grateful for the service our veterans provided for our country, and are thankful for everything they continue to do for our community.”
While the fee is waived, the paperwork to obtain a building permit must still be submitted. Veterans or their caregivers will need to provide proof of their veteran status and the improvement needed when they apply for the permit.
SPRINGFIELD — Firefighters in Illinois may soon be able to receive six weeks of paid family leave.
House Bill 3908, sponsored by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, would allow firefighters to take time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for the birth of a child and caring for the newborn.
They would also be able to use the time to care for a newly-adopted child under 18, a newly-placed foster child under 18, or for a newly-adopted or placed foster child older than 18 if they are unable to care for themselves due to a mental or physical disability.
Firefighters would also have the option to voluntarily waive their right to paid family leave.
Employers would have to reasonably accommodate extra physical recovery time for firefighters returning from leave, including light-duty assignments or an agreement of reassigned duties until the firefighter can go back to their full duties.
The bill mandates that these paid family leave requirements be provided to firefighters regardless of their employer’s leave policies. These requirements would have to be provided to firefighters who have been employed for at least one year.
The bill is an initiative of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the union that represents the state’s firefighters. Stuart said they brought this issue to her attention because fire departments across the state are trying to bring more women into the profession. The hope is that it would make the historically male-dominated profession more inclusive by accounting for child-bearing and other responsibilities often carried by women.
“We want to make sure everybody can build their family and have the appropriate time that they need to adapt to those changes, so supporting everybody who has those kind of life-changing things (and) making sure they can take care of their family just goes along with that,” she continued.
The Senate sponsor, Sen. Christopher Belt, D-East St. Louis, added that after talking with AFFI and firefighters across Illinois, he quickly realized that these firefighters only had the federal Family and Medical Leave Act to rely on.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this act provides for eligible employees “to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.”
“I really don’t think that’s right for those firefighters (and) I don’t think it’s right for those paramedics or those EMT people, because they give so much of themselves,” Belt said.
AFFI declined to comment and said it would be premature since the bill is early on in the process.
If the bill passes, Stuart said details of how this would work on a local level will be done through negotiations and collective bargaining agreements between municipalities and the firefighter unions.
The Illinois Municipal League, a lobbying group that advocates on behalf of the state’s cities and towns, opposes the bill, deeming it an unfunded mandate on municipalities and preemption of local government decision-making.
Stuart said other concerns were brought up during the House committee hearing regarding scenarios where employees could abuse the policy. For example, someone could try to stagger out adopting or fostering children in a way to take off as much time as possible.
“(It) just seems so far out of the realm, and again, our collective bargaining agreements can speak to those specific issues,” Stuart said. “I think these are really important policies. The fact that a couple people will take advantage of it, I don’t think is a really good reason to not put forth this legislation that’s really important for everyone else.”
Despite the opposition, Stuart and Belt believe the bill would alleviate some of the burdens associated with caring for family members and provide the support and resources firefighters may need. Both said they believe this is just the start of trying to provide all employees this kind of coverage.
“I think (this bill is) just reaffirming that in the state of Illinois, we care about families,” Stuart said. “We want to support families and that we put their needs first. I think it’s a signal and it’s a start of a pretty high ladder that we have to climb to where everybody has this coverage, but at least we’ve made this piece start.”
Larry Walsh Jr.
Working for Illinois Caucus 