Illinois General Assembly:
The Illinois General Assembly begins its six day Fall Veto Session beginning Tuesday, November 15. Veto session will run November 15 – 17 and November 29 – December 1 – note that the House canceled session for Thursday, November 17. A lame-duck session, where bills with an immediate effective date only require a simple majority to pass, could begin as early as January 4, 2023. However, with Democrats overwhelming victories in Tuesday’s elections, an extended lame-duck session may not be as urgent as was previously thought.
The 103rd General Assembly is sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 11th. While House Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon are expected to continue to lead their caucuses in the upcoming General Assembly, the future of the Republican leadership in the Illinois General Assembly is uncertain.
With House Republican Leader Jim Durkin announcing that he will not seek another term as caucus leader, candidates for his replacement are now emerging. Representatives Tim Ozinga, Martin McLauglin and Tony McCombie have all expressed interest in replacing Durkin. Other potential candidates could emerge in the coming days.
Senator John Curran is challenging Senate Majority Leader Dan McConchie for the caucus leader position. Curran circulated a letter indicating the support of 13 Senate Republicans which is enough to elect him to the position assuming all follow through with their pledge. The Senate Republicans will hold an organizational caucus of the 103rd General Assembly on Tuesday evening.
Republican State Representative Tim Butler announced today that he is leaving the Illinois General Assembly prior to the start of the 103rd General Assembly. He will be taking a job with the Illinois Railroad Association.
ELECTION UPDATE:
Updated election results show Democrats leading in two tight races. Senator Michael Hastings holds a 341-vote lead over his Republican challenger. Hastings will likely prevail in this contest. Republican Representative Deanne Mazzochi trails her Democratic challenger Jenn Ladisch Douglass by 174 votes. Douglass is expected to win this race. If in face Mazzochi loses, the House Democrats will hold an unprecedented 78-40 majority.
With respect to the Worker’s Rights Amendment, although the final vote is not tallied, proponents believe they have enough votes for passage. According to their calculations, while the amendment only received 58.07% of votes cast on the measure (needs approval of 60% voting on the question), the measure has support from 52.83% of those voting in the election. If the later percentage remains above 50% after the ballots are all counted, the amendment will pass.
Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia formally announced his candidacy for Chicago Mayor. Garcia won reelection to the 4th Congressional District on Tuesday.
Secretary of State elect Alexi Giannoulias revealed transition team members and a new website to gather ideas from the public for the Secretary of State’s office. Watch the announcement video here.
GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Social Equity Forgivable Loan: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will make $8.75 million in Direct Forgivable Loans available to all conditionally-approved social equity loan applicants in order to provide immediate access to capital. The loans are fully funded by the State. Craft Growers are eligible for $500,000, infusers are eligible for $250,000 and transporters are eligible for $50,000. Read more here.
Cannabis Dispensing Organization Licenses Issued: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has issued the first full adult use cannabis dispensing organization licenses to two social equity applicants: Ivy Hall and Green Rose, both located in Chicago. Read more here.
Executive Order: Executive Order 2022 – 22 reissues previous COVID related Executive Orders through December 9, 2022.