Sangamon Sun

The Illinois General Assembly recently concluded its veto session with minimal legislative activity. House Republicans, led by Tony McCombie, used the session to welcome new lawmakers who will officially join in January 2025. The Democratic supermajority and Governor Pritzker deferred controversial proposals to the upcoming lame-duck session.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie criticized the Democrats' approach, stating, “We do not need more time for out-of-touch Democrats to dream up harmful legislation. We need bipartisan legislation that focuses on the issues Illinois families care about most." State Representative Mike Coffey echoed these sentiments, saying, “Illinois lawmakers do not need to engage in a lame duck session to quickly pass legislation behind closed doors.”

In economic news, Illinois' unemployment rate remained at 5.3% in October 2024, according to preliminary figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). This rate is higher than the national average of 4.1%. The data indicates a stagnation in job growth post-COVID-19 recovery. While sectors like healthcare and government saw job increases over the past year, professional and business services faced significant cuts.

On legal matters, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has appealed a federal ruling that struck down the "Protect Illinois Communities Act," which aimed to ban certain firearms and ammunition. The law was deemed unconstitutional by District Judge Stephen McGlynn. Raoul seeks a stay on this decision while appealing to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The firearms debate coincides with Illinois' firearm deer hunting season opening this Friday through Sunday, November 24. A second hunting period is scheduled for December 5-8. Hunters must comply with specific gear requirements and regulations set by state law.