Sangamon Sun

House Republican leaders in Illinois have outlined their priorities as the fall Veto Session commences. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, alongside Deputy Leaders Norine Hammond and Ryan Spain, addressed a Capitol press conference to discuss their agenda for the session and beyond.

Leader McCombie emphasized the need to advance Illinois following recent elections, interpreting voter sentiment as a call against Democratic policies. She urged Governor Pritzker and Democratic leaders to move past "petty politics."

Deputy Leader Norine Hammond highlighted Illinois' projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026, asserting that House Republicans will strongly oppose any tax increases on Illinois families.

Deputy Leader Ryan Spain urged Governor Pritzker to collaborate with Republicans on issues such as reducing energy prices, addressing the migrant crisis, and providing tax relief.

The Illinois General Assembly is set to reconvene this week for the final week of the Veto Session.

In other legislative efforts, Leader McCombie has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding funding for meal delivery programs for seniors. The proposed bill, HB 5911, seeks to allocate $25 million from the General Revenue Fund to support home-delivered meals by redirecting funds from the Department of Human Services intended for Illinois Welcoming Centers.

"We have a responsibility to care for the senior citizens who’ve contributed so much to our communities," said McCombie. She emphasized that programs like Meals on Wheels are crucial for many seniors who rely on them for nutritious meals and wellness checks. The bill has garnered support from several sponsors including State Representative Mike Coffey and is under consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives.

On another front, a federal court has struck down an Illinois firearms ban enacted by Democrats in 2023. Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled that the law violated both the Second Amendment and the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. His decision included a permanent injunction against enforcing what was described as an unconstitutional ban on certain semi-automatic firearms labeled "assault weapons" by supporters of the law.

Supporters of this legislation have appealed Judge McGlynn’s ruling to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals based in Chicago. The decision was issued on November 8.