VETO SESSION RECAP
llinois Democrats used last week’s final three days of veto session to ram through multiple rounds of controversial and impactful legislation, with most of the damage done in chaotic fashion on the final night and deep into the overnight hours. There was zero transparency, and in some cases, bills were debated on in committee with no language available to read!
This shocking, but unsurprising, method of governance is becoming the norm with the majority party. Here’s a quick recap of what happened:
Illinois Democrats Pass a $2.5 Billion Mass Transit Bailout
After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, House Democrats dropped multiple versions of their mass transit bailout in the waning hours of veto session. This came after the Senate Democrats had passed their own mass transit bailout bill at the end of the spring session, a bailout funded by extremely unpopular taxes like a delivery tax on packages and food.
The House Democrats’ first version of their bailout bill also contained extremely unpopular tax hikes, including a 7% statewide amusement tax on events and streaming services, a $5 large event ticket surcharge (on top of the 7% amusement tax), and automated speed camera enhancements in safety zones. The Democrats’ initial tax hike plan was so untenable that even Gov. JB Pritzker immediately threw cold water all over it.
On the final night of veto session, the House Executive Committee held a subject matter hearing on the yet-to-be-filed second version of the Democrats’ Mass Transit Bailout. House Republicans pointed out the absurdity of holding on hearing on legislation that hadn’t even been filed, read or analyzed by legislators or legislative staff.
Late on Thursday night, House Democrats finally filed their revised Mass Transit Bailout as Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2111. After debating the bill well past midnight, Democrats passed SB 2111 on a partisan roll call vote of 72-32-0. The Senate concurred by a vote of 36-21-0.
The Democrats’ Mass Transit Bailout includes $1.5 Billion in tax increases and $1 Billion in higher Tollway charges to fix a $200 million transit fiscal cliff.
SB 2111 breaks the longstanding transportation funding deal that was a 55/45 Downstate/Chicago split. The Democrats’ Mass Transit Bailout sweeps nearly $500 million from Downstate road funding, resulting in an 85/15 Chicago/Downstate split.
Green Energy Giveaway
Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 25, a sweeping energy bill that ends the state’s 40-year moratorium on large-scale nuclear plants, but also extends state control over how energy is produced and managed. This proposal makes it less likely that job creators will locate their business in Illinois, with some businesses seeing double and triple electricity rates this past summer.
Also, battery storage is not as safe as Democrats like to say, just ask first responders. If a lithium battery catches on fire, or if a battery storage warehouse catches on fire, the price tag and effort to put that fire out are huge.
Learn more here: Illinois lifts nuclear ban, but tightens grip on energy supply
Lawmakers Approve Ban on Civil Immigration Arrests in State Courthouses
After weeks of verbally condemning the aggressive federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago region, Illinois lawmakers approved legislation banning civil immigration arrests in and around state courthouses. House Bill 1312, among other provisions, would also allow Illinois residents to sue immigration agents who violate their constitutional right to due process and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The bill also allows Illinois residents to sue immigration agents for violating their constitutional rights. They would be able to collect punitive damages, which can be increased if the agents are wearing a mask, concealing their identity, failing to wear a body camera or using a vehicle with a non-Illinois or obscured license plate.
House Republicans warned that it would have unintended consequences on state and local law enforcement. Law enforcement groups like the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriff’s Association cited similar concerns.
Read more from Capitol News Illinois.
Democrats Decouple from OBBB Tax Relief, Hurting Illinois’ Economy
Decoupling Illinois’ tax code from the federal tax code also passed the Illinois General Assembly in the early morning hours on Halloween. House Republicans warned that doing this would put Illinois businesses at a competitive disadvantage by increasing their taxes.
Read more from The Center Square.
GRANTS
The Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Development Grant Program is accepting applications for 2025-2026 through December 1, 2025. This program is designed to is designed to support rural development projects that will positively impact Farm Bureau members and other rural Illinoisans. Learn more here: Rural Development Grant Program | Illinois Farm Bureau
Small Equipment Grant Application Reminder
The Small Equipment Grant application period is open through November 30! Don’t wait, start your application early, as the entire process is being completed online this year. Application details and grant information are available at the State Fire Marshal’s website: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
LOCAL FFA SHINES
The Flanagan-Cornell FFA experienced an amazing week at the recent National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Several group members received recognition, honors, and awards. Congratulations to all, and thank you for making us so proud of your accomplishments. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17HjXugg4Q/
PEKIN DMV UPDATE
The Pekin DMV is switching to walk-in services, and customers will no longer require appointments. For more information on the hours and services offered at this facility, please visit this link: https://apps.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facilityfinder…
AROUND THE DISTRICT
My District Office hosted Mobile Office Hours this week in Eureka. Thank you to the Woodford County Farm Bureau for being such gracious hosts! I enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone and hearing your views and concerns.