NW Illinois News

The General Assembly recently concluded the 2023 Fall Veto Session, and it was marked by a display of political gamesmanship. During this session, lawmakers examined bills with upcoming sunset dates to determine which ones would be extended. Two sunsetting bills took center stage this year, showcasing the political maneuvering that occurs in Springfield.

One of these bills was SB1722, sponsored by Senator Kwame Raoul, who now serves as Illinois' Attorney General. The legislation established high-end prison terms for individuals convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon with previous similar convictions. It also increased penalties for the unlawful use of a weapon by felons. Given the alarming rate of violent crime in Illinois, one would assume that extending this bill would be a straightforward decision.

However, Democrats decided to pull SB1722 out from the comprehensive list of laws to be extended during the Senate discussion. They transformed it into a stand-alone bill, HB1440, which passed overwhelmingly in the Senate. The bill's House sponsor, who happened to be the leader of the House Progressive Caucus, declared the legislation "dead on arrival in the House" and had no intention of bringing it up for a vote. This political maneuver allowed Senate Democrats in competitive districts, including the bill's sponsor, to claim they were tough on crime while knowing it was merely a political stunt.

As a result of this orchestrated scheme, stiffer penalties for repeat felony gun offenders will expire at the end of December, jeopardizing public safety by allowing violent criminals back on the streets sooner. The partisan games used to kill the statute serve as a disservice to the state and its residents.

Another example of political gamesmanship during the veto session involved efforts to extend the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Senate Republicans prioritized the continuation of this program, which offers scholarships to low-income families who cannot afford private school tuition. The program had been highly successful, with over $308 million donated and more than 40,000 scholarships awarded.

Despite the program's success and the pleas of hundreds of families who rely on it, Democrats played games with its extension. They refused to have an up or down vote on Invest in Kids, effectively denying their constituents the opportunity to see where they stood on the issue. Instead, Democrats allowed families to continue lobbying for the program's continuance while quietly killing the bill. This political stunt not only hurts low-income families but also appeases special interest groups that contribute generously to Democratic campaigns.

The actions taken during the 2023 veto session in Springfield demonstrate a lack of honest and transparent government. Illinoisans deserve better than political gamesmanship and maneuvering. It is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of their constituents and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatorchesney.com/political-gamesmanship-is-alive-and-well-in-springfield/