East Central Reporter

State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) expressed frustration with the slow pace of legislative progress during the first week of the veto session in Illinois. 

Miller criticized Democrats for not adequately addressing critical state issues and accused them of dragging their feet once again. He urged his Democratic colleagues to focus on substantive legislation for the betterment of the people of Illinois and expressed hope that more progress would be made when the House reconvenes in November.

 “We could and should be addressing the major issues facing our state during this legislative veto session, instead, Democrats are dragging their feet once again,” Miller said on Facebook. “Hopefully when the House returns in November, Democrats will be ready to move substantive legislation for the people of Illinois.”

The first week of the veto session in Illinois concluded with limited legislative progress on major initiatives. Lawmakers will now head back to their districts before returning to Springfield on Nov. 7 for the second week of their annual two-week veto session. Advocates for the Invest in Kids tax credit program, which has been a subject of partisan debate for several years, also made their voices heard inside the Capitol. 

They rallied in support of extending the program until 2028 with specific modifications. However, House Bill 4194, introduced by Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) to extend the program, has yet to move through committees. (Source)

As the veto session resumes in November, the pressure is on lawmakers to address these and other pressing issues facing the state. The hope is that substantive legislation will be put forward for the benefit of the people of Illinois.

Miller and the Illinois Freedom Caucus are advocating for comprehensive legislative support for the Invest in Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program. They emphasize the program's importance in helping minority students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds access quality education. On the other hand, teachers' unions, including the Chicago Teachers Union, remain strong opponents of the initiative. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated his intention to sign an extension for the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which currently provides educational opportunities for 9,600 underprivileged students in Illinois. (Source)

Miller recently extended a warm welcome to students from the Effingham County Area who are beneficiaries of the Invest in Kids Scholarship program. The Illinois Freedom Caucus, in a statement on Facebook, underscored their commitment to expanding and supporting this vital scholarship initiative, emphasizing their dedication to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the state. 

“We MUST expand and support this scholarship program!” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said on Facebook.