McLean County Times

The Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield next week for the annual fall veto session, according to State Representative Jason Bunting (R-Dwight). Lawmakers are expected to consider a range of issues, including a bailout for Chicago-area mass transit agencies and new energy legislation.

Bunting explained that the transit agencies face a budget shortfall of over $700 million after using federal COVID-19 relief funds for general operating expenses. With those funds depleted, the agencies are looking at significant deficits. During the spring session, Democrats proposed addressing this gap with increased taxes, such as a $1.50 delivery tax on most home-delivered packages—including groceries—and possible new taxes on services like haircuts and home repairs.

"I believe family budgets are already strained enough, and so I oppose adding yet another burden. If these tax hikes come up, I will be voting No," Bunting said.

Energy policy is also expected to be discussed. Bunting noted that recent price spikes were partly due to state government’s previous policies and expressed concern that proposed legislation could increase costs further through surcharges on electric bills for battery storage projects and additional energy efficiency requirements.

Session dates are set for Tuesday through Thursday next week and again from October 28-30. Updates can be found on the General Assembly’s website at ilga.gov or RepBunting.com.

Bunting also addressed economic concerns in Illinois, citing Moody’s data indicating the state is among nearly two dozen seen as being at risk of recession. He attributed some of this vulnerability to high taxes and an unfavorable business climate that makes it difficult to attract jobs. He referenced Governor Pritzker’s recent executive order directing state agencies to cut their budgets by 4%, noting that "Governor Pritzker recently issued an executive order to agencies in which he seemed to admit that the budget which he signed back in June relied on flawed estimates of future economic growth."

"We need to work together to get the state’s house in order. We can begin by pledging to use realistic budget and revenue projections, and a more open and transparent process when creating next year’s budget," Bunting added.

With harvest season underway, Bunting reminded residents about farm safety: "If you see emergency vehicles responding to a fire, please keep a safe distance and let police, fire, and EMS do their jobs." He thanked local emergency responders for their dedication during this busy period.

This week is also National 4-H Week. Bunting highlighted his involvement: "Tasha and I are proud to serve as 4-H leaders right here in our own community... Watching our local members learn new skills, take on leadership roles, and give back to the community is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do." He thanked all who support local 4-H programs.

Currently, Illinois has over $2.3 billion in unpaid bills submitted for payment by vendors—an increase from last year's $2 billion backlog at this time—excluding unfunded pension liabilities exceeding $100 billion.

Bunting was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Illinois' 106th House District, succeeding Thomas Bennett.

Recent news affecting Illinois includes court decisions involving former Speaker Madigan's corruption conviction appeal, resources offered for caregivers of farmers with dementia, implications of the SAFE-T Act on criminal justice cases in Chicago-area thefts, and ongoing breast cancer awareness efforts.