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.
This year’s Veto Session is likely to see Democrats work to move on an “omnibus” energy package that is guaranteed to raise already sky-high electricity prices. 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.
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.