NW Illinois News

The Illinois General Assembly has reconvened in Springfield following its summer break for the annual Veto Session. Traditionally, the Veto Session allows lawmakers to consider overriding gubernatorial vetoes of bills passed during the previous session. In recent years, however, the session has seen new legislation introduced and debated beyond its original purpose.

This year's session is expected to focus on an “omnibus” energy package, which critics argue will increase electricity costs. Lawmakers may also address a mass-transit funding shortfall by considering new or increased taxes, such as a $1.50 per-delivery fee on items like Amazon purchases and food delivery or expanded sales taxes on services including lawn care and home maintenance.

State Representative Tony McCombie commented on the legislative process: “Today, we witnessed yet another relentless barrage of partisan hypocrisy, filled with finger-pointing at the federal government instead of confronting the many important issues at home. While Illinois families are struggling with soaring costs and growing distrust in their leaders, Illinois Democrats are wasting time and taxpayer dollars to play political games.

“With only four legislative days remaining, Speaker Welch and the House Democrats are negotiating tax hikes and a new green energy giveaway package behind closed doors, while play acting on the House floor to distract from it.

“It’s time to put Illinois first and deliver solutions concerning skyrocketing energy costs, public safety, and to overall relief to the families who need it most.”

The Veto Session runs from October 14 through October 16 for its first week and resumes from October 28 through October 30. Citizens can follow proceedings via ilga.gov/House/AudioVideo.

In other news, former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was sentenced in June 2025 to 7.5 years in federal prison following his conviction on corruption charges earlier in the year. His request to delay reporting to prison pending appeal was denied by the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

McCombie issued a statement regarding Madigan’s imprisonment: “Today marks another painful chapter in Illinois’ long and troubling history of public corruption. Each scandal chips away at the public’s trust and further erodes confidence in our state government.

“What’s most disappointing is the silence from so many in the majority party, lawmakers either unwilling to condemn this behavior or unwilling to take real action to prevent it from happening again. Their inaction speaks volumes.

“Illinois can’t afford to keep repeating this cycle of scandal and shame. Meaningful ethics reform could be passed tomorrow, if only Democratic leaders would find the courage to join us in restoring integrity and trust in state government.”

Financial challenges continue for Illinois as well. The state projects a $267 million deficit for the fiscal year ending June 30 due primarily to federal tax cuts enacted by Congress. The Governor’s Office of Management & Budget anticipates that income tax and sales tax revenues will fall $827 million short compared to earlier forecasts; however, additional revenue sources have reduced the deficit projection.

Governor JB Pritzker has instructed state agencies to seek spending reductions of 4% amid efforts to manage state finances.

During a recent press conference, Governor Pritzker criticized Republicans for escalating political rhetoric but did not acknowledge his own role in recent controversies. McCombie responded: “Governor Pritzker’s words have only deepened tensions here at home. Just last week he called ICE agents ‘jackbooted thugs,’ urged Illinoisans to ‘fight it with everything we have,’ and told them to ‘ask for badge numbers and record everything.’ These remarks don’t calm the waters, they pour gasoline on the fire.”

She continued: “Even more troubling, Pritzker has encouraged bystanders to confront federal law enforcement during operations last month, calls that have coincided with days of chaos at an ICE facility in Broadview, where demonstrators blocked cars, launched fireworks at officers, and were arrested with firearms in their possession.”

Tony McCombie was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 89th District in 2023 after succeeding Andrew Chesney.