SPRINGFIELD - General Assembly members returned to Springfield this week, kicking-off the Fall Veto Session by approving a number of measures previously rejected by Governor Blagojevich, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).
The Senate voted to override the Governor-s veto of Senate Bill 2165, legislation providing an individual with legal justification, or -affirmative defense,- if found to have violated local gun restriction laws. The proposal was drafted following an incident in which a Wilmette man, acting in self-defense, shot an intruder in his home and was subsequently charged with violating a local ordinance banning handguns.
The Illinois Senate also rejected Governor Blagojevich-s veto of Senate Bill 2847, a bill drafted to ensure all diabetics are able to receive better access to life-saving medications.
Previously, Medicaid patients were only afforded restricted access to specific medications. Under the parameters of the new law, Medicaid patients will be eligible to receive prescriptions to treat diabetes without prior approval from the Illinois Department of Public Aid.
Both pieces of legislation head to the House of Representatives for final action. They will be joined by Senate Bill 2374, which allows large trucks, recreational vehicles and vehicles towing another vehicle, to drive 65 miles per hour on rural interstates. Proponents assert the legislation will increase road safety and reduce the number of accidents in Illinois involving large trucks.
In the wake of the September 20 shooting of Capitol Security Guard Bill Wozniak, the House of Representatives approved approximately $5 million in spending from the General Revenue Fund to improve security measures around the Capitol Complex. The bill currently awaits final concurrence by the Senate.
It has yet to be seen whether lawmakers will free up revenue to fund proposed capital projects. If funding is not approved for these developments, which include $550 million for school construction initiatives and $500 million to improve Illinois- transportation infrastructure, many anticipated initiatives would be placed on the backburner.
Governor Blagojevich is working with Senate Democrat leadership to explore possible gambling expansion in Illinois. Possible projects include the addition of three new casinos--including the land-based casino in Chicago that Chicago Mayer Richard Daley lobbied for last year.
Finally Senate Republicans are pleased to welcome newcomer Gary Dahl, Senator-elect for the 38th Senate District. Mr. Dahl-s platform was built on his commitment to bringing good-paying jobs back to Illinois and rolling-back the 2003 Democrat-approved tax hikes that have been attributed to stifling Illinois- economic and business growth.
Dahl-s stance on these issues obviously resonated with voters, who elected him by an impressive 5,000 vote margin to replace 22-year veteran, Patrick Welch. Senate Republicans are certain that Gary Dahl will be an incredible asset to the Caucus, and the members extend their congratulations to their newest colleague on his impressive victory!
The following Gubernatorial vetoes were overridden by the Senate during the week of November 8-12:
Stormwater management (SB 2196) - Authorizes a new property tax for stormwater management, planning, and mitigation in Cook County.
Recreational Trails (SB 2272) - Allows the Department of Natural Resources to use money in the -Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Fund- for construction of motorized recreational trails.
Gaming (SB 2460) - Requires the Governor to submit a request for authority to the General Assembly and to receive General Assembly approval prior to entering into a contract that allows a Native American tribe to conduct gambling in Illinois.
The following legislative measures were approved by the Senate during the week of November 8 - 12:
Income Tax (SB 1592) - Entitles persons or entities not subject to the income tax who make a donation under the Illinois Housing Development Act to receive and to transfer a credit for affordable housing donations.
Insurance (SB 2617) - Stipulates that an insurance company cannot require a doctor to purchase goods or services as a condition of participation in a managed care program or in an insurance group.
Controlled Substances (SB 3007) - Amends the Criminal Identification Act by providing criteria that could allow for individuals to expunge records if convicted of certain criminal acts.
