Lawmakers expect to be back next week for the Illinois General Assembly

Posted on May 19, 2023
Lawmakers will have to be in some more days – probably next week – to consider a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. (WJBC File Photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – When the leaders of the Illinois General Assembly drew up their 2023 schedule, today – May 19 – was supposed to be the last day of the session. But the lawmakers will have to be in some more days – probably next week – to consider a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

On a slow Thursday evening,  State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) asked the presiding officer, State Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), what to expect.

“We to date have not seen a draft copy of any budget yet. We are approaching our deadline. We are due to be out of session (Friday). I was wondering if anyone in the chamber has seen a draft copy or when one might be available,” Keicher said, “or also any revenue estimate upon which that budget is going to be based.”

Hernandez only said, “The chair will inquire,” and that’s the last we heard about that.

Another Republican, State Rep. C.D.Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), accused the controlling Democrats of wasting everybody’s time. Still another, State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), said Democrats are practicing the sort of behavior which sent many lawmakers to prison.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…