News Flash
2011 Fall Veto Session Update
(posted 11/11/2011) - The Illinois General Assembly’s second week of veto session has ended, and while typically this would signify the end of the fall veto session, legislators are being called back to Springfield on Tuesday, November 29, to consider additional business. At this point, however, I wanted to provide an update on some of the bills and issues that have been discussed and/or voted upon.
House Bill 3793: Limits Property Tax Increases in Declining Housing Markets
This week I joined most of my colleagues in voting against House Bill 3791. While I am very sensitive to the issues faced by taxpayers in this declining economy, I am also sensitive to the needs of municipalities, schools, libraries and other publicly-funded entities which rely on property taxes to fund their services and have built their budgets on these anticipated revenues. The bill would have amended the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) to prevent any taxing body in an already tax capped county from collecting an increase in funding during a year when the area’s total assessed value decreases. I support this idea in theory, but could not support the bill as it was presented. At a time when the State is not making timely and full payments to the public agencies which rely on state dollars, I felt it was unfair to place this additional burden on them which could jeopardize their ability to provide the levels of service that the public has come to expect and rely upon from local units of government.
Senate Bill 72: Unemployment Insurance Reform
It was with pleasure that I joined all other members of the House of Representatives in supporting Senate Bill 72, which reforms Illinois’ unemployment insurance system. Today the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has a projected deficit of $2.4 billion. This staggering sum threatens the very sustainability of this important safety net for working families. Through this bill, the fund will become fully solvent by 2018 and it will provide $400 million in cost savings for employers across the state. Most importantly, these reforms will be accomplished without raising taxes. The provisions of the bill should also help create private sector jobs and reinvigorate the Illinois economy.
Senate Bill 2147: Funding for Regional Offices of Education
In spite of comments made by Governor Quinn during his budget address about finding alternative methods of funding Regional Offices of Education expenses and salaries, he made no attempt to explore any other sources during the course of the legislative session. Instead, the governor used his veto power to eliminate funding for Regional Superintendents and their offices. Because of his veto, these individuals have not been paid since June. While I am on record as being a strong proponent of Regional Offices of Education and the statutory services they provide, I voted against restoring the funding for the remainder of this year because the funding was to come from the Personal Property Replacement Taxes that are distributed to other local governments each year, thus eroding their base.
I serve on the Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee and earlier this year we spent a tremendous amount of time with Governor Quinn’s representatives discussing fair funding and agreeing on the level of funding that should be appropriated. At no time did they intimate that the Governor’s office was opposed to funding Regional Offices of Education from General Revenue Funds. The committee’s recommendations were abundantly clear that these offices provide very necessary and state mandated services and, therefore, the appropriation was fair and appropriate.
HB 1079: Amends the State Property Control and the Board of Higher Education Act
With respect to public universities, this bill increases the threshold from $500 to $1,000, the point at which equipment must be reported to and listed with the Department of Central Management Services (CMS). The increase falls within the recommended guidelines established during the 96th General Assembly by the Blue Ribbon Committee on Higher Education Mandates, which set the threshold at $5,000. It also reduces tedious tracking requirements while improving efficiency with regard to outdated and depreciated equipment. The bill requires that public universities report annually to the Board of Higher Education on programs of instruction that have been terminated, dissolved, reduced or consolidated, or that exhibit a trend of low performance in enrollments and degree completions. It additionally requires these institutions to report any tuition increases and/or cost saving measures that have been implemented.
Governor Quinn used his amendatory veto power to try to remove the portion of the bill that raised the threshold from $500 to $1,000, but members of the House voted to override the veto. The override is now pending in the Senate.
SB 1701: Emergency Medical Services Access
This bill amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act by providing that any person who, in good faith, dials 911 or seeks medical treatment for someone experiencing a drug overdose shall not be charged with a crime. I voted in favor of this bill because I believe the number of drug overdose deaths could be significantly decreased if those who witness them know they can dial 911 without fear of prosecution for drug possession. The bill passed in the House and is now pending in the Illinois Senate.
SB 1652: Com Ed Smart Grid
Today, forty four (44) states have some level of smart grid technology in place, and when Illinois lawmakers approved a bill several months ago to modernize Illinois’ grid, Governor Quinn vetoed it. Members of the House and Senate voted to override Governor Quinn’s veto. The override means that once the improvements are in place, power outages should be addressed more quickly and with greater efficiency. It will also provide the framework for Commonwealth Edison to respond more quickly to network problems and provides for additional investment in infrastructure.
The need to upgrade our electrical grid was never more obvious than earlier this year when many DuPage and other collar county residents were without power for extended periods of time due to storms. But Oak Park, which has been using the smart grid technology on an experimental basis since 2010, escaped the summer's widespread storm outages. The improvements will not only help prevent widespread outages like those we experienced a few months ago, but the creation of the smart grid would provide for a wholesale technology upgrade that will eventually lower overall electrical costs.
A trailer bill presented the first week of veto session included language that lowers the profit rate for Commonwealth Edison to rates that are lower than what the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has allowed in the past. The new language also toughens the performance standards they must meet and increases the amount of money they must spend to improve the infrastructure. The trailer bill also calls for the creation of a fund to help those of lower socioeconomic circumstances pay their electric bills. Based on the changes included in the trailer bill, a consortium of forty two (42) suburbs withdrew their opposition to the bill prior to the vote. I know it remains a controversial issue with some people but we anticipate positive outcomes in the future.
Gaming Expansion in Illinois
A new gaming bill that scaled back a gambling expansion package approved by the General Assembly several months ago was soundly defeated by the House last week. I have always voted against gambling expansion. The new bill dropped a provision that would have allowed for slot machines at Chicago airports and the state fairgrounds, and addressed concerns by some that regulations were not stringent enough. However, the new plan still allowed for five new casinos in Illinois and permitted racetracks to operate slot machines.
I am fundamentally opposed to an expansion of gambling in Illinois. At a time when people are struggling in a difficult economy, I believe the social negative consequences to our residents are simply too great to support this bill.
House Resolution 588: Medical Achievements for Brain Aneurysms
Last week the House approved House Resolution 588, which recognizes the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Illinois, Chicago, for its numerous achievements and contributions to the State of Illinois in the field of brain aneurysms. Many of my constituents have lobbied on behalf of raising awareness of this dangerous medical condition.
The Status of Pension Reform
There is one issue that will likely remain unresolved when the General Assembly returns to Springfield on November 29th and that is pension reform. Members of the Pension Reform Committees have met many times to discuss ways to stabilize the State’s pension system. SB 512 is sitting on the House Floor on Third Reading and I anticipate that it will continue to be a topic of major discussion when we return in 2012. Today’s public pension systems include an $86 billion unfunded liability. General Assembly members are hopeful that productive and good faith negotiations will ensue and welcome all suggestions and solutions that will keep our pension systems sustainable over time. It is imperative that we solve the pension crisis and I am hopeful that a solution that is fair and reasonable is brought to fruition. I applaud the many constituents who are a part of the public pension systems and have personally contacted me with a willingness to bring forward ideas. I did attend the two hour long Personnel and Pension Committee meeting this week. It was unfortunate that the Illinois Education Association nor the Illinois Federation of Teachers, both opponents of the legislation, chose NOT to testify, as their members, the teachers, have been the most vocal on the issue. As a former teacher, I would greatly appreciate these unions weighing in with their solutions.
Proposal to Close Seven State Facilities
Governor Quinn recently recommended closing seven state facilities due to budget shortfalls. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, which serves as an advisory group on these issues, has been visiting these facilities and holding hearings over the last several weeks. On October 27th, they voted against closing the Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro, Mabley Developmental Center in Dixon, Singer Mental Health Center and the Chester Mental Health Center. Last week the committee voiced similar concerns against the closure of the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Jacksonville Developmental Center and the Tinley Park Mental Health Center. I am very much in favor of looking for opportunities to blend services so that efficiencies for providing services can be optimized resulting in better individual care. While we have a Blueprint for System Redesign that is more community based, I still believe choices are important, as the needs of individuals differ greatly. Any ultimate changes would need to include provisions for a smooth transition for the individuals served by these facilitates.
Alzheimer’s Awareness
Lastly, on the calendar for consideration when we return is House Resolution 590, which recognizes the month of November as "Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois. I am one of the founding chairs of the Illinois Alzheimer’s Legislator Alliance which is concerned about the looming health crisis as more individuals and families are impacted by this issue. I realize we must prioritize aggressive action now to confront this emerging epidemic. There are currently 210,000 individuals in Illinois living with Alzheimer’s and that number will grow by an additional 30,000 in the next 15 years.
Veteran’s Day
Today is a day for us all to reflect on the sacrifices made by Veterans’ who have spent a part of their lives devoting themselves to military service. The sacrifices these honorable and courageous men and women make on a daily basis are many and encompass far more than just deployment to protect our nation and our democracy. The extended time away from family members and other loved ones can never be regained, and the absence from important holiday and personal celebrations will forever be felt by all. Whatever your political leaning, whatever fierce debates rage here in America, one of the things that remains’ eternal is the commitments and the sacrifices of those who have served. My loving father, Gus Mageras, served in World War II. I am the first of the baby boomer generation and though my dad is long gone, to him and to all of you, we owe you a debt of gratitude and you have all of mine.
My Thanks
I know that many issues confronting the General Assembly are controversial and, as always, I welcome your input and viewpoint. I am thankful for all of my blessings and grateful to have the privilege to serve you in Springfield and at home. If I, or any member of my staff, can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call us at the Glen Ellyn office: (630) 858-8855, Springfield office (217) 782-8037 or contact me directly at sandrapihos42@gmail.com.
Enjoy the remainder of the fall!