McLean County Times

The fall veto session has commenced in Springfield, with the House and Senate reconvening to review any vetoes issued by the Governor. However, Rep. Bunting expresses disappointment that no action has been taken on important issues such as the flaws in the SAFE-T Act, the state's ethics climate, corruption, and the extension of the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Additionally, the House has yet to vote on overriding the Governor's veto of legislation to support nuclear power plants, reform the estate tax, or reduce property taxes. Rep. Bunting hopes for meaningful action in the upcoming session starting on November 7.

In other news, the Department of Employment Security (IDES) reports an increase in unemployment in Illinois to 4.4% in September, up from 4.1% in August. Although the number of jobs created in the state actually increased, the rise in the unemployment rate is attributed to more people entering the workforce and actively seeking employment. IDES states that 282,500 individuals in Illinois are currently seeking employment.

Furthermore, a recent survey from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation ranks Illinois as the sixth state in the nation with the highest property tax burden on homeowners. The median annual property tax bill in Illinois is $4,744, equivalent to adding $400 a month to the cost of a residential home. This burden is higher than that of any state outside the northeast. Illinois' neighboring states, including Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin, have significantly lower property tax bills.

On a positive note, Rep. Bunting recently visited Slagel Manufacturing, a successful manufacturing company, and the Saunemin Fire Department. Slagel Manufacturing, established in 1993, has experienced growth and expansion due to the commitment to customer partnerships, excellent communication, and quality products. The Saunemin Fire Department, like many fire departments, faces challenges in terms of volunteer and funding shortages. Rep. Bunting expresses gratitude to the firefighters and first responders for their dedication and service.

As the deer mating season is in full swing, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) warns drivers to be cautious and watch out for deer on roadways. IDOT advises drivers to look for eye-shine, the reflection of headlights in deer's eyes, and to assume that if one deer is spotted, others may be nearby. Last year, there were over 14,000 collisions between vehicles and deer in Illinois, leading to injuries and fatalities.

Lastly, Rep. Bunting highlights the current bill backlog in Illinois, which stands at $1,372,917,696. This figure represents unpaid bills submitted to the Illinois Comptroller for payment and does not include unfunded debts like the state's pension liability.

In summary, the fall veto session in Springfield has yet to address pressing issues, unemployment in Illinois has increased, the state has a high property tax burden, and Rep. Bunting has visited local businesses and the Saunemin Fire Department. Drivers are advised to be cautious of deer on roadways, and the state faces a significant bill backlog.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repbunting.com/2023/10/27/rep-buntings-springfield-news-update-for-october-27/