House and Senate take no official action on Illinois pension crisis during veto session.
Veto session came to an end last week, leaving many important issues unresolved until after the New Year. One such issue is the impending pension crisis facing Illinois, costing Illinois taxpayers $18 million for each passing day of inaction.
Unfortunately, the earliest the General Assembly may see pension legislation presented to them is during the six-day “lame-duck” session scheduled to begin Thursday, January 3, 2013. Lame duck sessions are often held after New Year’s Day and prior to the oath of office taken by all incoming members of the next General Assembly.
These sessions are often viewed as windows of opportunity for the discussion for the more politically charged issues due to the high number of legislators who have the opportunity to stray from their typical legislative tendencies as lame duck members. Even then, it is unclear whether a vote will be taken on any pension legislation.
General Assembly votes to override Quinn’s assault weapons ban.
The General Assembly rejected the Governor’s amendatory veto which would have banned assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Senate Bill 681 passed through both houses with wide margins this past spring. The language of the bill as passed by the General Assembly authorizes the purchase of ammunition by mail order, so long as the purchaser provide a copy of his or her valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and either a valid driver’s license or state identification card.
Senate passes bill to create pathway to driver’s license for undocumented Illinois residents.
Last week, the Senate passed a controversial bill to create a pathway to driver’s licenses and mandatory insurance for undocumented Illinois immigrants. The measure will likely head to the House for final action in January. Under the plan, drivers would be required to take driver’s ed and carry car insurance. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 uninsured Illinois motorists could become eligible to apply for a three-year, renewable driver’s license if SB 957 becomes law.
License plate renewal fee is raised to $101.
Unfortunately, beginning in March Illinois drivers will pay $2 more for their license plate stickers after Gov. Quinn signed Senate Bill 1566 aimed to provide better upkeep and care of state parks by increasing license plate renewal fees by more than $30 million. The increase, which I opposed, will apply to plates for motorcycles, pickup trucks, vans and cars. It will not be imposed on commercial or recreational vehicles.
Attorney General Madigan, ICC Warn Utility Customers of Scam Artists Posing as Utility Company Reps, Demanding Payment
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Illinois Commerce Commission alerted utility customers to a recent scam targeting residents in the Chicago area in which someone claiming to be a utility employee asks for immediate payment of a bill either at a customer’s door, over the telephone or by e-mail. If you suspect you have been scammed, have a suspicious incident to report or have questions, contact the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-386-5438 or the ICC at 1-800-524-0795.
Capitol Classroom at Belvidere North High School
This morning I had the privilege of speaking with a group of seniors at Belvidere North High School. We talked about current events including the upcoming fiscal cliff, the role of state government and the importance of getting involved with the community at an early age.
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I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns at (815) 547-3436 or email me at RepSosnowski@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/joesosnowski. Your correspondence is always appreciated.
Sincerely,
Joe Sosnowski
