Illinois lawmakers over the coming 10 days could cast votes to bring a long-awaited (and much coveted) casino to Chicago, among many other issues, as they begin their lame duck session. For 35 members of the General Assembly whose terms will end Jan. 9, this is a chance to cast controversial votes – like reforming the state’s public pension system – without worry of facing the wrath of voters. Not an especially courageous or efficient way to operate.
Want proof that politicians really do listen to you? Look no further than the Illinois General Assembly’s veto session, writes Reboot Illinois Chief Operating Officer Madeleine Doubek. Scared to death of casting a controversial vote, legislators often need the safety of lame duck status to make decisions that might draw their soon-to-be-former constituents’ ire. Even those who have been re-elected prefer lame duck sessions because they know they won’t have to face voters until nearly two years later.
Indicted, expelled and now reelected former State Rep. Derrick Smith will serve through a full legislative session as he awaits trial on federal bribery charges. His trial for allegedly accepting a $7,000 cash bribe has been set for October 2013. His House colleagues could kick him out again, but they can’t do it a second time on the bribery charges.
Let’s follow up the talk with action and get rebooting. Have you signed up for our daily email?
Join us. Let’s get it done.
It’s taking a while for Statehouse observers to fully appreciate (or fear) the concept of an all-powerful, Democrat-controlled Legislature. With two-thirds majorities in the Illinois House and Senate, that’s what we have in Springfield. Democrats, led by Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan, can impose their will on Republicans (who hold one-third or fewer seats in each chamber) and if Gov. Pat Quinn tries to stop them with his veto pen, they can override him. The question is: Will they? (via Chicagoist)
Let’s follow up the talk with action and get rebooting. Have you signed up for our daily email?
Join us. Let’s get it done.
Secretary of State Jesse White was the political sponsor of indicted and now reelected former State Rep. Derrick Smith. Now he hopes the House — which kicked Smith out in August because of his pending bribery trial — can figure out a way to expel Smith a second time.
Let’s follow up the talk with action and get rebooting. Have you signed up for our daily email?
Join us. Let’s get it done.
“Democrat controlled” doesn’t quite describe the Illinois General Assembly these days. “For the next two years, that might have to be changed to Democrat death grip,” says longtime Statehouse reporter Doug Finke. But the legislative Dems “aren’t a monolithic bunch,” so don’t expect two years peace and harmony among them, Finke adds.
Let’s follow up the talk with action and get rebooting. Have you signed up for our daily email?
Join us. Let’s get it done.
Republicans need to pick up six seats in the Illinois House and six in the Senate to gain majorities. With every seat up for re-election tomorrow and voter dissatisfaction in the Democratically controlled Legislature high, that would seem feasible. But two things are working against the GOP: money and the Democrat-friendly legislative map.
Reboot Illinois 