East Central Reporter

The Illinois House of Representatives will convene for a Veto Session from October 24-26, where they will consider potential overrides on six substantive bills. Among these bills, two have garnered significant attention. The first is SB76, which aims to lift the ban on building new nuclear plants in Illinois. While the bill received bipartisan support, Governor Pritzker believes it is overly broad and may allow for the construction of large reactors. State Representative Miller highlights the importance of nuclear power in Illinois, stating, "Currently, Illinois produces more nuclear power than any other state and we have done so safely for decades."

The second bill under consideration is HB3445, which addresses the bidding process for new electrical lines. The original bill granted Ameren the right of first refusal on bidding for these projects. These bills will be at the forefront of discussions during the Veto Session.

In a scathing critique of Governor Pritzker, Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook describes him as "not a big thinker, a small-minded amoral sell-out to radical ideas." Halbrook's comments reflect concerns over Pritzker's progressive agenda, particularly his focus on passing pro-abortion legislation across the country through his organization, 'Think Big.'

Another contentious issue in Illinois is the state's approach to illegal immigration. Governor Pritzker has been criticized for welcoming illegal immigrants to the state, with Republicans warning of the financial repercussions. Pritzker recently signed a budget that allocated over $500 million to support the healthcare of illegal immigrants. State Representative Miller emphasizes the consequences of this approach, stating, "The spending has increased in other areas of this crisis including tent camps, food, and education." The impact of these policies is not limited to Illinois, as neighboring states witness the consequences of the governor's actions.

The recent enactment of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail as a condition of pretrial release, has drawn criticism from State Representative Chris Miller. He argues that the law weakens the criminal justice system and favors criminals who pose threats to public safety. Miller states, "Democrats continue to craft bills that put our communities at risk and they continue to show no respect for our constitution."

Governor Pritzker's handling of the state's finances has also come under scrutiny. Despite the governor receiving positive revenue news, he dismisses those who challenge him as "carnival barkers." Concerns about Illinois' financial situation persist, with the state being referred to as a 'sinkhole' state. An analysis by 'Truth In Accounting' reveals that each individual taxpayer in Illinois is in debt over $20,000.

Efforts are underway to improve Illinois' business climate and reignite its economy. The Reigniting Illinois' Strong Economy (RISE) working group has proposed measures such as tax reductions, business reform, responsible energy policy, and litigation reform. These proposals are seen as crucial steps towards bringing growth and hope for a brighter future in Illinois.

Illinois continues to face criticisms for its lack of public participation and political partisanship. A report by the anti-gerrymandering group 'Common Cause' gave Illinois a poor rating, attributing it to politicians drawing district lines instead of representing the people.

In other news, Representative Miller's office is available to assist constituents with any issues they may have when interacting with state agencies. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 217.508.4108 or visiting the office at 1113 Lincoln Ave, Charleston.

As Illinois enters the Veto Session and grapples with various policy challenges, Representative Miller remains committed to representing the concerns and interests of his constituents.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repcmiller.com/2023/10/23/newsletter-from-rep-miller-4/