Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for October 10

In this issue:

• Fall veto session starts next week
• Analysts continue to warn of recession risk for Illinois
• A farm safety reminder
• National 4-H Week

Fall veto session starts next week

On Tuesday the House and Senate will return to Springfield for the first time since May 31 to convene the fall veto session. This is a short (six day) session held every year around this time in order to consider action on any bills which the Governor might have vetoed over the summer. But it can also sometimes be used to address different issues which have emerged over the summer. This year, it looks likely that this is what will happen.

It is expected that we could see action on two major issues this fall: a bailout of the Chicagoland mass transit agencies, and a green energy package.

The Chicago-area transit agencies are facing a budget shortfall of more than $700 million, brought on in part by transit agencies using federal COVID relief funds for general operating expenses instead of one-time costs due to the pandemic. Now that those funds are no longer available, the agencies are facing a budget crunch.

During the spring, Democrats proposed to address the problem by raising taxes, specifically a $1.50 delivery tax on nearly every package delivered to homes, including essential items like groceries. There is also talk of adding taxes to services like haircuts, oil changes, dry cleaning, home repairs and many others.

I believe family budgets are already strained enough, and so I oppose adding yet another burden. If these tax hikes come up, I will be voting No.

Another issue we expect to see some movement on is energy. I told you about this bill last week, but some details are still yet to be finalized.

This summer we saw large energy price spikes in Illinois due in part to state government's bad energy policies. This new bill looks like it might drive costs even higher since it includes a surcharge on electric bills to pay for battery storage developments, and costly new energy efficiency requirements.

These are just two of the many issues we could see in the next few weeks. Session is scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday next week, and then again from October 28-30. You can keep track of developments on the General Assembly's website at ilga.gov, or RepBunting.com.

Analysts continue to warn of recession risk for Illinois

Recent data from Moody's indicates that Illinois is one of nearly two dozen states seen to be at risk of a recession. According to numerous data indicators, Illinois' economy has been stalled since sometime in 2022, when the state re-opened from the pandemic shutdowns. Illinois is more susceptible to economic downturns than some other states because our high taxes and poor business climate make it harder to recruit and retain jobs.

Governor Pritzker recently issued an executive order to agencies in which he seemed to admit that the budget which he signed back in June relied on flawed estimates of future economic growth. He directed state agencies to find ways to cut 4% of their budgets for the current fiscal year. While he tried to blame Washington DC for this turnabout, House Republicans were warning back before the budget was passed that it spent too much money.

We need to work together to get the state's house in order. We can begin by pledging to use realistic budget and revenue projections, and a more open and transparent process when creating next year's budget.

A farm safety reminder

It's harvest season - which means long hours in the fields and an increased risk of field fires. If you see emergency vehicles responding to a fire, please keep a safe distance and let police, fire, and EMS do their jobs.

Every second counts in these situations. Your cooperation helps ensure that everyone - first responders and farmers alike - stays safe.

Thank you to our local fire departments, police, and EMS crews for their quick response and dedication to protecting our communities during this busy season!

Hope everyone stays safe!

National 4-H Week

It's National 4-H Week!

Tasha and I are proud to serve as 4-H leaders right here in our own community, where we get to work with some of the most dedicated, hardworking, and inspiring young people around. Watching our local members learn new skills, take on leadership roles, and give back to the community is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

From livestock projects to public speaking, community service, and leadership events, 4-H truly helps shape the next generation - teaching responsibility, teamwork, and pride in a job well done. It's amazing to see how much these kids grow each year, both in confidence and character.

A huge thank you to all of the members, parents, volunteers, and supporters who make our local 4-H programs such a success. You're what keeps the 4-H spirit strong in our communities!

Our current bill backlog

When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state's checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $2,326,052,778. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.0 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state's pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.

Illinois headlines

7^th Circuit denies Madigan's bid to stay out of prison while he appeals corruption conviction

Illinois Extension offering support, education for caregivers of farmers with dementia

Illinois SAFE-T Act lets alleged repeat Chicago-area theft suspect walk after multiple arrests

Raising awareness in the fight against breast cancer