Springfield Update

Speaker Madigan did indeed bring the House back to work this week in Springfield. Just yesterday, they met and overrode Governor Blagojevich's amendatory veto of the long stalled “Ethics” bill with only three votes of support for the Governor's revisions. This has already set off a new round of name calling and partisan battles, as the Governor resumes his bullying attacks via the news media. This may be a moot point, if Senate President Jones does not call the Senate back within 15 days to support the House override of the “Ethics” bill.

In other action, the House did indeed pass a bill authorizing the sale of the Illinois State Lottery after two long years of wrangling by 75 votes. This bill was designed to fund a capital projects bill that does not currently exist. Many details remain as to how leasing the Lottery will provide additional and sustainable money for education in Illinois. Further action will depend on whether or not the Senate supports this bill. Watch this one!

Finally, the House also voted to allow the “sweep” of about $200 million from special state funds to restore cuts made by Governor Blagojevich. Funding would be directed toward alcohol and drug abuse services and state park sites that were recently cut by the governor.

The fall session this year will be exciting after the elections are over.