Sangamon Sun

The first week of veto session in the Illinois House concluded with House Republicans looking ahead to address several priorities in the coming weeks. One of these priorities is Senate Bill 76, which aims to lift the 36-year ban on new nuclear energy construction permits. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie expressed her hopes for the bill to be presented again and have another vote, as it was passed by both the House and the Senate by a strong majority.

McCombie emphasized the importance of lifting the moratorium on nuclear power, stating that it would provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the state. She said, "If we don't lift the moratorium, we can't even begin" to address the state's energy needs.

In addition to addressing the nuclear energy ban, House Republicans are also demanding action on the Invest in Kids program, a State-backed scholarship program that supports students attending private schools in Illinois. The program is set to sunset on December 31 of this year unless it is extended by the General Assembly. House Republicans see the program as a way to help students reach their maximum potential and are advocating for its continuation.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie also expressed her support for Israel and filed House Resolution 446, which condemns the violence in the Middle East and stands with Israel in its defense against acts of terrorism. McCombie and other House Republican members have consistently shown their support for the families, defenders, and the State of Israel.

On the other hand, House Democrats recently approved HB 4148, a bill that could lead to the unionization of legislative staff. The bill aims to bring Illinois legislative staff under organized labor laws and structures, allowing them to sign union cards, choose representatives for collective bargaining, and potentially go on strike. House Republicans have raised concerns about the legislation, including the fact that it is being led by a small group of House Democratic staff and could create problems with General Assembly operations during legislative sessions.

The issue of immigration also remains a priority for Illinois. The state has become a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and significant costs for taxpayers. House Republicans are calling for the repeal of the TRUST Act, which prohibits law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. They argue that ending Illinois' status as a sanctuary state is necessary to address the crisis and alleviate the burden on taxpayers.

In terms of agriculture, the 2023 harvest in Illinois is nearing completion, with progress being made in the harvesting of corn and soybeans. However, dry conditions continue to affect fields, including pastures and winter wheatfields, leading to poor grass conditions and challenging circumstances for farmers in southern Illinois.

As hunting season approaches, preparations are underway for firearm deer hunting season, which begins on November 17. Hunters have already started participating in the archery season, and the complex rules governing deer hunting licenses in Illinois emphasize the conservation of antlered deer.

In state government news, Governor Pritzker has proposed splitting up the troubled Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and creating a new agency to inspect and regulate child care service environments, preschools, and early intervention programs. House Republican members have criticized DCFS for its inaction in cases of child abuse, neglect, and deaths. The proposal will need to be reviewed by the General Assembly, which has the power to strike it down or appropriate funds for the new agency.

As the veto session continues, House Republicans are focused on addressing these priorities and working towards solutions that benefit the state of Illinois.

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