East Central Reporter

The Fall Veto Session of the Illinois General Assembly has come to a close, with both successes and disappointments. While some bipartisan actions were taken, there were also notable failures on key issues.

One of the most significant disappointments was the refusal by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to call for a vote on the renewal of the Invest in Kids program. This popular program, which provides assistance to underprivileged students in Illinois, has now been essentially killed. Representative Miller expressed his disappointment, stating, "The Democrats like to champion the idea of helping low-income kids but their silence has devastated thousands of students across Illinois."

Democrats also failed to address the issue of electing their own school board in Chicago, leaving voters frustrated and highlighting the dysfunction in the legislature. Additionally, the Illinois House, under Welch's leadership, did not take a stand in support of Israel or condemn the terrorism perpetrated by Hamas.

Another area where the Democratic Supermajority fell short was in addressing corruption. Despite ongoing trials and guilty pleas related to mismanagement of taxpayer dollars, the politicians controlling the legislature in Springfield remained silent on the issue.

However, there were some bipartisan victories during the session. A nuclear energy deal was passed to allow for the future construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). This move aims to pre-plan for the energy crisis caused by the decrease in baseload energy production in Illinois.

Furthermore, there was progress made in addressing workforce shortages by making changes to the way professional licenses are issued. Temporary assistance was provided to accommodate the delays in issuing professional licenses, helping more Illinoisans get to work quickly.

In addition, a critical fix was delivered for farm mutual insurance policyholders, with bipartisan support. This fix will benefit those insuring large agricultural equipment, such as tractors and combines.

In the energy sector, there is growing support for both nuclear power and other forms of green energy. The recent focus has been on small modular reactors (SMRs), which are designed to generate up to 300 megawatts of power. These SMRs are considered safer, generate less radioactive waste, and have the potential to address the energy needs of Illinois. New legislation, HB 2473, authorizes the construction of new modular reactors in Illinois, starting in 2026.

The issue of firearms and the implementation of new rules has created confusion among Illinois residents. The State Police has drafted temporary and proposed permanent rules, but many Second Amendment advocates have expressed concerns. The State Police has created a webpage to address some of these concerns and is accepting comments from the public. However, the State Police is not legally required to respond to comments submitted after November 13, 2023.

As Veterans Day approaches, it is important to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served in the United States armed forces. Veterans Day, celebrated on November 10, and Armistice Day, observed on November 11, serve as reminders of the services provided by American armed forces in World War I, World War II, and other major conflicts. Let us express our gratitude to all veterans who have served America with honor.

In conclusion, the Fall Veto Session had its successes and failures. While some important issues were left unaddressed, there were bipartisan victories in areas such as nuclear energy and workforce shortages. The session highlighted the ongoing challenges and divisions within the Illinois General Assembly, but it also showcased the potential for collaboration and progress.

Click this link to access more information: https://repcmiller.com/2023/11/13/capitol-news-update-from-rep-miller-2/