Rep. Elik’s Capitol Update: Veto Session Preview

State Rep. Amy Elik here with an update on what we can expect going into next week's Veto Session.

Energy, Taxes, & Homeschool Act

The annual Veto Session, for decades, was used by lawmakers to consider voting to override vetoes leveled by the governor on bills that were passed during the previous spring Session. In recent years, the Veto Session has been used by Democrats to ram through tax increases, erode Second Amendment Rights, and pass new legislation unrelated to veto action. Governor Pritzker has vetoed very few bills in recent years, as Democrats hold supermajorities in both the House and Senate, and rarely pass legislation that would see the Governor exercise his veto authority.

Democrats and environmental groups are pushing another expansion of green energy policies despite massive spikes in energy costs for ratepayers due to the failures of current policies. The proposal currently includes a surcharge on electric bills to pay for battery storage developments and creating new energy efficiency requirements, among other changes.

Looming over the energy debate is also an issue related to Illinois' Biometric Information and Privacy Act (BIPA). Illinois' strict regulations and concerns about energy limitations are stoking fears among job creators, particularly in the tech and construction industries, that could cost the state thousands of jobs and billions in investment.

A looming mass-transit "fiscal cliff" may be addressed through the implementation of any of a number or a combination of unpopular and costly tax increases like a $1.50 per-delivery tax hike on items like Amazon purchases and food delivery or new sales taxes on any of a number of a wide variety of services, such as lawn care, plumbing, home maintenance, and more. My Republican colleagues and I are remaining fully opposed to any new tax proposal that will drive up cost of living for Illinois families, and taxpayers are tapped out and tired of footing the bill on the Democrats' spending spree.

The former Representative who pushed The Homeschool Act, HB2827, has now left her position as State Rep to become Judge in DuPage County. This reduces my concerns that HB2827 will be pushed through in our fall veto session in October, but I will be watching to see if the bill gets transferred to another Representative. We will remain vigilant and let you know if anything changes for this bill.

Unfortunately, the Veto Session is also often a time when fresh legislation, that really has no place being considered during the annual gathering of lawmakers, is rushed through the process.

Illinois citizens would be smart to stay tuned closely to the actions of the General Assembly. The first day of the fall Veto Session is Tuesday, October 14, lasting through Thursday, October 16. The second week of the Veto Session begins on Tuesday, October 28, and concludes on Thursday, October 30.

Interested citizens can follow all the action by visiting ilga.gov/House/AudioVideo.

Around the 111th District

I've been wrapping up a very busy summer serving the 111th district. Here's some pictures of what I've been up to recently!

I visited the water festival at Lewis and Clark Community College which is put together by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. They invite 5th graders from all over the area to learn about water, including water safety, conservation and use.

The City of Alton recently cut the ribbon for their new fitness court at Riverfront Park. Students from Marquette Catholic HS came and demonstrated how to use the equipment. There are various exercises you can access to improve your fitness. Very neat

I was able to celebrate the good news that Granite City Works would be able to continue processing steel slabs, along with a large crowd of steelworkers, local officials and supporters in Granite City. We are continuing the fight for a long term solution!

Congrats to A Precious Organization for another successful walk for sickle cell awareness. 13th annual walk! I always enjoy the walk and appreciate the hard work that I know goes into organizing this.

I celebrated Illinois Manufacturing in Collinsville during the Illinois Manufacturers' Association annual "Makers on the Move" bus tour.

Here to Serve You

It's an honor to serve you. My office remains committed to assisting you with any issues you may be having with a state agency. Reach out any time, and we're happy to help.

My office will be closed Monday, October 13th in observance of Columbus Day, a state holiday.