Illinois Lawmakers Rush to Finalize Legislation Ahead of Veto Session Deadline

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In Illinois, legislators find themselves pressed for time with an extensive agenda to tackle. Concerns are mounting that the sheer volume of issues might hinder their ability to accomplish significant progress.

Among the myriad challenges vying for attention, a last-minute proposal to overhaul the state’s electoral map has added an unexpected twist to the veto session. This development has shifted some focus from local matters to the broader political landscape in Washington D.C.

With only two days remaining before the deadline, legislators are faced with the daunting task of prioritizing their efforts to ensure any significant legislation is passed.

“The federal government, transportation, and energy are on the list. We’re watching closely to see if these can be finalized by Thursday,” stated Illinois House Representative Margaret Croke.

Amidst this legislative whirlwind, one area that has garnered bipartisan urgency is the issue of rising energy prices. This concern has brought lawmakers together, seeking solutions to address the impact on their constituents.

“This is really the only bill that recognizes we need every watt that we have got,” Illinois Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham said.

That debate is likely coming down to the Clean Renewable Grid Affordability Act or CRGA. CRGA has seen significant support from democrats and consumer advocates. But the Illinois Manufacturers Association is joining Republicans in opposing the bill.

They say funding the expanded battery storage component pushes the cost to consumers when prices are already high.

“We have to, we have the mindset right now of all energy, especially if we want to have data centers, especially if we want to expand manufacturing and people to actually come to our state,” House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said.

But on Monday, lawmakers had even more added to their plates.

“I think that it’s important for the process to proceed as expeditiously as possible,” U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

WCIA sat down with Jeffries during his last minute push to re-draw Illinois’ maps.

One concern holding up the process: preserving minority representation. Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is worried new maps will limit Black and Latino representation — and some Republicans are taking notice.

“I think it would change the representation of the Black Caucus and I think it would put the 17th Congressional, which is where I live, at much more risk,” McCombie said.

But Jeffries said now is the time to act for Democrats. He worries if they don’t, it could cost them the next election.

“It’s also important for us as Democrats to find a way to decisively respond to the extremism that Trump is unleashing on the American people, including as a result of his effort to rig the midterm elections,” Jeffries said.

The likelihood of redistricting passing this veto session still appears questionable. Senate Majority Leader Bill Cunningham described the discussions as “in a holding pattern.”

And even if it does pass, questions remain about what that would mean for the 2026 election.
Candidates have already filed their paperwork for those races.