McLean County Times

After the first week of veto session in the Illinois House concluded on Wednesday, several important issues remain unresolved. One of these is Senate Bill 76, which aims to lift the ban on new nuclear energy construction permits. Illinois has been prohibiting new nuclear construction since 1987, despite being a nuclear power with the most operating reactors of any state. House Republicans are demanding action on this bill, as well as on the Invest in Kids program, a State-backed scholarship program that helps students attend private schools.

Representative Dennis Tipsword, a Republican, expressed his concerns about the Invest in Kids program, stating, "Invest in Kids has helped thousands of Illinois students attend schools where they are challenged and encouraged to reach their maximum potential. I am co-sponsoring legislation which would eliminate the program’s sunset clause." It is crucial for the General Assembly to extend the program before it sunsets on December 31.

Meanwhile, the Illinois House Democrats approved a bill that could lead to the unionization of legislative staff. The Legislative Employee Labor Relations Act aims to bring Illinois legislative staff under the laws and structures that govern organized labor. This would allow staff members to sign union cards, choose representatives for collective bargaining, pay union dues, and potentially go on strike. The bill has raised concerns among House Republicans, with many questions about its implications remaining unanswered.

Illinois's status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants has also been a subject of debate. The TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, prohibits law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities to detain or deport undocumented individuals. Some argue that this policy has led to a humanitarian crisis, with approximately 628,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois, costing taxpayers nearly $3 billion annually. House Republicans have filed House Bill 4187 to end Illinois's sanctuary state status and allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Representative Tipsword stated that this legislation is necessary to change the narrative away from Illinois as a land of bountiful government benefits for migrants.

In agricultural news, the 2023 harvest in Illinois is nearing completion. The recent "Illinois Crop Progress" report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows rapid progress in harvesting corn and soybeans. With relatively dry weather, farmers have been able to make significant strides in the fields. As of Sunday, October 22, 70% of Illinois corn and 80% of soybeans have been harvested. However, dry conditions continue to affect fields, including pastures and winter wheatfields, where growth will continue until freezing temperatures arrive.

Overall, the first week of veto session in the Illinois House has left several important issues unresolved. From addressing the ban on new nuclear energy construction permits to the debate over Illinois's sanctuary state status, lawmakers will need to continue their efforts in the coming weeks. Representative Tipsword summarized the priorities, saying, "My Republican colleagues and I are looking ahead to solving these issues and ensuring that Illinois progresses in the right direction."

To learn more, click on this link: https://reptipsword.com/2023/10/30/first-week-of-veto-sanctuary-state-harvest-progress-and-more/