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OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW Illinois lawmakers
considered legislation left over from the now completed 94th General
Assembly, and started the 95th General Assembly by swearing in new
lawmakers during the week of January 8-12.
94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS
The Senate convened a rare Sunday session, meeting in the newly
restored Senate chambers after a multi-month renovation. Senators
voted to override a gubernatorial veto on legislation that will
allow specific school districts to borrow money for construction and
adjust their tax structure to suit budgetary needs.
Lawmakers also acted on the Governor's nominees for state boards
and agencies. The Senate rejected a reappointment to the Prisoner
Review Board, after Senate Democrats refused to support the
Governor's nominee. The rejection of the nominee -- a retired police
chief from Peoria -- drew strong fire from the Peoria County State's
Attorney who issued a statement charging that the Illinois Prisoner
Review Board "has been reconstituted in the last five years to
become a proud and loud majority of advocates, yes advocates, for
convicted killers." Several other appointments representing
interests ranging from education to aeronautics were approved
without controversy.
On Tuesday, retiring Senate members were honored with
congratulatory resolutions listing their many accomplishments. Their
colleagues said a few words about the departing Senators, who will
receive a copy of their resolutions in recognition of their
legislative service.
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 Also during the week, a Senate committee rejected a measure to
extend the 7% homestead tax exemption for Cook County after
Democrats in control of the House and Senate could not agree on
changes to the legislation.
Senators also passed comprehensive coal mining legislation that
will enhance safety in Illinois, in the wake of the West Virginia
mining accident last year. A motion that would have allowed counties
to adopt a cigarette tax increase was not called for a vote.
95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES
On Wednesday, new and returning Senators were sworn into office
during ceremonies officially beginning the 95th General Assembly.
There are eight new Senators -- six Democrats and two Republicans.
The first act of business for the Senate was electing Senator
Emil Jones of Chicago as Senate President and Senator Frank Watson
of Greenville as Senate Minority Leader. Decisions about offices and
committee assignments are currently being made and will be announced
soon.
A General Assembly session runs for two consecutive years,
consisting of a legislative-driven agenda in the first year, and
more of a budgetary focus during the second year. All bills that are
unable to make it through the legislative process by the end of the
second year are either reintroduced and sent through the legislative
process again, or are no longer valid.
[Column from
Sen. Bill Brady]
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