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Health & Fitness

Veto Session: Smart Grid Veto Overridden, Speed Camera Legislation Passes Senate and More

Review of the first week of veto session

Please note: The Week in Review is written by a staff member of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus and approved by legislators. It is meant to provide constituents with information about legislative action and activities during the week.

Illinois Lawmakers finished the first week of the fall Veto Session. Smart Grid legislation passed, though work on pension reform, gaming and business tax incentives continues behind the scenes.

Also during the week, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability issued a favorable opinion for four state facilities the Quinn administration is seeking to close.

Smart Grid

On Oct. 26, lawmakers sought updates to the state’s electric grid, overriding a gubernatorial veto of the initial Smart Grid legislation and passing new legislation that addressed several concerns with the previous utility upgrade measure.

A majority of Senate and House lawmakers voted in favor of a “trailer” bill that advanced changes to the initial legislation vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn this fall. The follow-up legislation, House Bill 3036, sought to address concerns with that bill, requiring utilities ComEd and Ameren to pay $60 million into low-income assistance funds to help qualified families, senior citizens and veterans. The bill also added $200 million for additional storm-related relief, which was sought in response to the spring and summer storms that recently left many suburban residents without power.

“This past summer, residents throughout the district experienced several power outages, some that lasted for days, even weeks,” Sen. Ron Sandack (R-21st, Downers Grove) said. “No one likes the idea of a possible utility increase, but these systemwide outages are unacceptable.

“Power outages have further implications then just not being able to watch television at home.  They can adversely affect businesses to the point where money could be lost due to their inability to operate. This legislation was needed in order to improve the infrastructure of old systems so these problems do not continue.”

The Senate also acted on Quinn’s veto of SB 1652, the first Smart Grid measure lawmakers passed last spring. Supporters argued in favor of the changes, which will allow the state to make much-needed updates to its antiquated electric grid. Though opponents countered that the bill did not do enough to protect consumers, the governor’s veto was ultimately overridden.

“Our society has become increasingly technologically advanced and our electric system should match that,” Sen. Sandack said.  “The electrical status quo in Illinois is unacceptable—we can’t have power outages like we’ve had recently. Updating the state’s electrical grid will lead to better quality and more reliable electric service, which is critical to drawing both new and relocating businesses.  Business owners must know that their operations will not be interrupted due to the failure of an outdated electrical system.  These improvements were necessary and I believe beneficial in the long run.”

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Speed Cameras

The Illinois Senate also approved a bill advocated by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel that would allow Chicago to authorize speed cameras in school and park “safety zones” between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Drivers caught speeding in these zones, which extend about one city block from the designated areas, would receive a $100 fine. Supporters of the legislation said the bill will protect Chicago schoolchildren at risk of being hit by lead-footed motorists, while opponents countered that red light cameras are more about generating revenues and less about reducing accidents. 

Sandack voted against the legislation, which now moves to the House for consideration.

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Tax Incentives for Business

Discussions continue on tax law changes sought by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with Republicans expressing a desire to assist the major employer but critical of the piecemeal approach Quinn has taken in dealing with businesses impacted by the 67 percent tax hike passed last January.

They point out that Quinn and his fellow Democrats would not have to keep offering incentives to keep Illinois businesses from fleeing the state if Democrats had not created a hostile environment for employers under Quinn and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Republicans are hoping a final package can be negotiated that not only keeps major employers in the state, but also improves the business climate for small businesses, which create the majority of jobs.

Pension Abuse, Scholarships

Also during the week, the House of Representatives approved legislation aimed at reforming certain pension abuses by high-ranking union officials. The measure is meant to address recent reports that some union leaders, mostly in Chicago, have received lucrative public pension payments not for their public employment, but rather for the work they did as union officials.

“I have an identical bill in the Senate and I’m a strong supporter of this legislation Leader Cross has sponsored,” Sandack said. “Reforming the pension systems will come in many forms and this is definitely one of the many areas that needs to be addressed. It is my hope that we will vote on this and send it to the governor to become law when we return to Springfield.”

Sandack said he also hopes the General Assembly will vote to concur with the governor’s veto and abolish the legislative scholarship program. 

“This is a program that has been fraught with abuse,” Sen. Sandack said.  “It is long overdue to get rid of the scholarships as a means to stop misuse and ease the burden on colleges and universities throughout the state. This is one thing I can agree with Gov. Quinn on.” 

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to finish up their Veto Session work Nov. 8.

State Facility Closures

On Oct. 27, members of COGFA issued opinions against the proposed closure of four of the seven state facilities sought by the Quinn administration.

The majority of COGFA members voted in favor of the facilities, which included Chester Mental Health Center, Illinois Youth Center at Murphysboro, Singer Mental Health Center in Rockford and the Jack Mabley Developmental Center in Dixon.  However, while the vote is a positive turn-of-events for the facilities, the governor’s administration will ultimately make the decision about closing the facilities.

Earlier this week, an Oct. 24 public hearing was held on Quinn’s proposed closure of Jacksonville Development Center (JDC), and on Oct. 26, a public hearing was held on the governor’s proposed closure of Logan Correctional Center (LCC). About 1,000 people were in attendance at the JDC hearing, and an estimated 1,200 attended the LCC hearing, as local leaders, residents and employees spoke before COGFA.

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