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* The new operating budget revenues and House GOP Leader Jim Durkin’s pro-business reforms (SB689) sailed through the chamber, with the Eastern Bloc and others like Reps. Dave McSweeney and Allen Skillicorn voting “No”…
The bill moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 1 *** SB1814 is the BIMP. Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) announced a conflict of interest and couldn’t vote on the bill. A few more Republican “No” votes on this one and Speaker Madigan didn’t vote…
The bill moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 2 *** HB142, the bond authorization bill, also passed easily…
That was final action. It goes to the governor.
*** UPDATE 3 *** SB690 is the revenue package for vertical capital. It includes more casinos, legalized sports betting, higher taxes on video gaming and an expansion of video gaming, a tax hike on cigarettes and vaping, a new tax on parking garages, removes a tax exemption on traded-in properties and imposing a traditional sales tax model for “remote sellers” (online). The bill also includes state incentives for large data centers, which was requested by Leader Durkin.
Rep. Michael Unes (R-East Peoria) was upset because the bill allows the Gaming Board to approve the East Peoria riverboat’s move to the City of Peoria as a land-based casino. The boat is his town’s largest employer. “This language is specifically designed to damage my district,” Unes said. Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), however, pointed to a 1991 agreement between the two cities that would move the East Peoria boat to Peoria if the General Assembly authorized land-based casinos.
Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) asked the sponsor Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) if sports betting establishments could open multiple locations within a five-block radius of Chicago sports stadiums. Rita said the bill would not do that. This line of questioning was the result of the deal struck by Gov. Pritzker with Mayor Lightfoot, who worried about sports books springing up all over neighborhoods near stadiums.
Speaker Madigan didn’t vote on this one, either. Democratic Reps. Bristow, Costa Howard and Pappas voted “No.” Leader Art Turner also didn’t vote…
The bill now moves to the Senate for final action.
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
“Legalizing sports betting and expanding gaming will create jobs up and down the state, from Rockford to Chicago to Walker’s Bluff, where communities hungry for employment will see 10,000 new jobs. After the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, I promised the people of Illinois that sports wagering would be a key element of my legislative agenda, so that we are competitive with our neighboring states and can create more revenue for communities around Illinois.
“Gaming expansions in this state have been attempted and failed for years; this effort succeeded because of talented and dedicated public servants like Leaders Terry Link and Tony Munoz and Representatives Bob Rita and Mike Zalewski. Today is a win for the whole state.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** SB1939 contains the revenues to fund the horizontal capital plan, including doubling the Motor Fuel Tax. Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) said he hates taxes, but “we don’t have a choice” on this vote. “It’s the right thing to do in every community in this state,” he said, and took a mild shot at those who want the spending but don’t want to fund it.
Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood) has been an outspoken critic of trade unions, particularly in road construction, for a distinct lack of diversity. But Davis said the bill “starts moving us in the right direction” to get training to put people to work. “It’s something we’re extremely, extremely proud of,” Davis said. Davis also called for annual capital bills instead of waiting every ten years “when we struggle.”
Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee), who is running for Congress, said the Democratic arguments against a flat tax “are not true” because of their support for an increase in the Motor Fuel Tax. “Nothing is more regressive than this gas tax,” he said. “Think about your constituents that can’t afford this!” he roared.
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), who has shied away from controversy since a (weak) primary opponent surfaced, nonetheless spoke on behalf of the bill. He focused mainly on a $315 million high speed rail project for Springfield, which, he said, would make downtown a “quiet zone” by moving trains to a track several blocks east. Lots of legislators have apartments near the 3rd St. rail line, which can keep them up at night.
This was probably the toughest vote of the night because of the MFT increase. But it still got 83 votes. Speaker Madigan didn’t vote again. Democratic Reps. Bristow, Costa Howard, Edly-Allen, Mason, Pappas, Reitz and Stuart voted “No.” There’s your Tier One target list, if you’re keeping score. Republicans voting “Yes” included Reps. Bennett, Bourne, Brady, Bryant, Butler, Demmer, Durkin, Frese, Keicher, Marron, Mazzochi, McAuliffe, McDermed, Meier, Murphy, Reick, Severin, Sosnowski, Spain and Welter. That’s the 20 Leader Durkin promised to deliver…
The bill now moves to the Senate for final action.
*** UPDATE 5 *** HB62 is the capital appropriations bill…
That was final action. The bill goes to the governor.
…Adding… Press release…
“We believe that Senate Bill 1939 is a responsible investment that will help modernize our transportation system, increase safety on our roads, decrease congestion, and spur economic development in our communities,” said Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch.
“We are thankful to Leaders Brady and Durkin for fighting to include some of the most pro-business reforms we have seen in recent years. We are also grateful to Governor Pritzker and Democrat leaders for supporting transportation investment to grow our economy and help create future financial stability in Illinois.
“Finally, we applaud the members who came together to move a bipartisan package forward that is sustainable, constitutionally protected and ensures that all taxes paid at the pump will go towards transportation.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
“After years of neglecting our state’s roads, bridges, mass transit, and buildings, Illinoisans’ health and safety have been jeopardized, and job creation has been hindered. I’m proud that the state is on the verge of adopting a bipartisan infrastructure plan for the first time in a decade. Our plan to rebuild our roads, bridges and communities will create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout our state. The Rebuild Illinois plan will reinvigorate our economy and strengthen our rightful status as the transportation and supply chain hub of the nation. This historic step forward wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of Senators Sandoval, Manar, Hutchinson, DeWitte, Tracy and McConchie, and Representatives Hoffman, Arroyo, Gordon-Booth, Spain, McDermed and Butler, and countless advocates. I look forward to signing Rebuild Illinois into law to create jobs and make it easier to do business across our state.”
…Adding… IMA…
“Businesses across Illinois need stability, and we applaud Gov. JB Pritzker and lawmakers for coming together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a balanced state budget and enact a jobs program to rebuild our infrastructure including roads and bridges,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturing is our state’s leading economic engine, employing more than 592,000 people. This package will encourage industrial investment by reinstating the Manufacturers Purchase Credit, phasing out the Corporate Franchise Tax, and stopping onerous and costly regulations that would have dictated hiring and pay for energy and chemical companies. These measures, combined with previous legislation extending the Research and Development Credit and creating a new apprenticeship credit, will help manufacturers grow in Illinois.”
posted by Rich Miller
Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 5:56 pm
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Previous Post: *** UPDATED x1 - Lightfoot confirms *** Gov. Pritzker says he’s reached an understanding with Mayor Lightfoot on sports betting
Next Post: Madigan, Durkin release statements on end of session
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Thank you to all, from both parties.
Comment by Grandson of Man Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 6:07 pm
On SB690, Bristow (D) also voted NO.
Comment by Justin Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:00 pm
Cabello and Sosnowski both voted no, yet Syverson and Stadelman are co-sponsoring the bill.
Huh?
Comment by Strange Bedfellows Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:02 pm
In light of this report, pretty darn comical of Skillicorn pleading with members to think of that single mom racing to her part-time job as his persuasive argument for voting against capital revenue. A long-overdue gas tax hike is going to be less of a hit than car-busting potholes.
As an aside, great to hear House Dems’ Joe Miller get praise. He’s the goods.
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20180328/report-poor-roads-cost-illinois-drivers-16-billion-per-year
Comment by John Deere Green Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:02 pm
Peoria could get a land based casino? Wow. Correcting a mistake they made 28 years ago.
Comment by Former State Worker Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:06 pm
So proud of all the eastern block guy (and others) for doing what’s right and standing up for the taxpayers of Illinois who are the only people who don’t have a lobbyist.
Comment by East Central Illinois Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:20 pm
With the MFT increase, Dan Proft now has his reason to complain about the HGOP for the 2020 cycle.
Comment by Fax Machine Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:20 pm
==standing up for the taxpayers of Illinois==
Oh yeah, the crumbling roads and bridges are a heck of a boon to the taxpayers. Good on those Eastern Bloc gaslighters for continually whining about everyone else trying to actually fix problems without offering any solutions themselves.
Comment by PJ Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:24 pm
I’ve never seen a governor accomplish so much in a single session. He definitely gets an A for his first session.
Comment by Glengarry Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:26 pm
I can fuss about some of the elements, but it is absolutely wonderful to see things getting done. On time. With Republican participation. That’s a lot to accomplish with what has to be massive hangovers. Or maybe they are motivation.
Comment by Langhorne Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:28 pm
As a constituent and local leader in a city that Bailey represents I am disgusted at him and the rest of his ilk. He hates taxes and government spending unless it’s going into his pocket as a farmer. He is a poor excuse for a representative and my towns people will likely suffer because of him.
Comment by Southern Illinois Mayor Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:29 pm
==Peoria could get a land based casino? Wow. Correcting a mistake they made 28 years ago. ==
Land based casinos v. riverboats in IL (and many other states) is a joke. Rivers has an underground swimming pool under their gaming floor to qualify. The Horseshoe in Hammond floats on Lake Michigan, but it is 100% incapable of traveling anywhere.
Comment by Gambler Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:31 pm
Southern Illinois Mayor, I believe U.S. government farm subsidies to Bailey totaled just under $1.9 million from 1995 to 2017.
Comment by up2now Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:37 pm
Looks like BPIA might be worth it. I’ve been around this building a long time and I can’t remember such a successful session. I honestly didn’t think it could all be done, but congrats to everyone on the second floor.
Comment by Suzzz Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:44 pm
Okay, I’ll whole-heartedly join the chorus of recognizing ALL the accomplishments achieved since January by the two parties in the GA and most especially the new Governor. A sincere and deep thank you from my home to you all.
However, having worked under Governor’s dating back to Big Jim and surviving the last three (four?) before I gave up and retired, I just have to ponder what JB’s Second Act will encompass and is the Eastern Block worried we will see dogs and cats living together or other such miracles?
s/n
Comment by LINK Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:48 pm
What a difference a year makes.
Comment by Nick Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 7:52 pm
==I just have to ponder what JB’s Second Act will encompass==
one of his biggest campaign promises was medicare for all style healthcare, which will be a much bigger task.
Comment by tgk Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:02 pm
“What a difference a year makes.”
I think you meant, “What a difference a new governor makes.”
Comment by HUh? Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:04 pm
Compromises, bipartisan votes, focus on core responsibilities, actual accomplishments,…
… no chronic lying, no constant whining, no bad-mouthing the state.
Virtually all the players are the same. Just replaced one key position.
Two-and-a-half-million Illinois voters made a wise choice last November.
Comment by wordslinger Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:11 pm
Well done. The governor has concluded a very successful first session that should lay the ground work for a state that starts to function again.
Comment by JS Mill Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:19 pm
**one of his biggest campaign promises was medicare for all style healthcare**
No… JB never promised that, at all. What he campaigned on was allowing individuals to buy into Medicaid. But yea - that and related healthcare reform are likely on the table for next session.
Comment by JoeMaddon Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:24 pm
That’s quite a lot of bills passed to take in over the next few days.
Comment by CT Resident Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:53 pm
They managed to give themselves a cost of living raise and 21/2 percent error raise ????????? That should help out lawmakers pay for the taxes they just raised of the people of Illinois
Comment by Joyce Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 9:19 pm
Dear Bruce Rauner,
Sorry you never understood how to make bipartisan deals. This is how we move the state forward.
Sincerely,
JB
P.S. Enjoy Italy
Comment by Chicago Cynic Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 9:59 pm
Hopefully, after four years of stalemate, we have Governing and Compromise back at the State Capitol to stay. Will love to see who gets the credit (and takes the credit) for all or part of this.
Comment by Ares Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 10:14 pm
==Will love to see who gets the credit (and takes the credit) for all or part of this==
Time will tell, but you may have to replace the word “credit” with “blame” when taxpayers get the invoice.
Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 11:09 pm
Is the city of Des Plaines still bound by the agreement to get a casino to pay the state $10 million annually for the final casino license?
Comment by DP_resident Sunday, Jun 2, 19 @ 2:07 am
With the doubling of the gas tax (which will hit the poor and working classes the hardest), it will be next to impossible for a fair, progressive tax to be enacted.
Ken Griffin, Bruce Rauner, JB and all of Madigan’s deep-pocketed donors are laughing all the way to the bank.
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jun 2, 19 @ 1:34 pm
Higher fuel taxes could help consumers choose to drive less, purchase more energy-efficient cars, carpool or take public transportation.
Comment by Enviro Sunday, Jun 2, 19 @ 2:36 pm
What were the Pro business reforms?
That phrase gives me chills
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Jun 3, 19 @ 8:49 am