The General Assembly returned to Springfield this week with the Senate in session Tuesday through Thursday and the House in Session Wednesday through Friday.  The Governor’s budget address became the focus of the legislative week.

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The Governor released his proposed 2016 budget on Wednesday afternoon, following his annual budget address to the General Assembly.  The proposed 2016 budget contains over $6 billion in budget cuts that affect every major section of state operations except for elementary and secondary education, which is actually given a slight increase over the 2015 appropriations.

The proposed budget reduces or eliminates funding for many energy related programs.  The Governor is proposing that all state money going to support LIHEAP, the Coal Technology Development Program, the Renewable Energy Resources Program and the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards Fund be diverted to shore up the State’s General Revenue Fund.  Current estimates suggest that the proposed budget would divert approximately $175 million in receipts from various utility charges to other areas of the State budget.

The Governor has proposed that the Illinois Commerce Commission be appropriated an additional $8.05 million for the remainder of 2015. The Commission would also receive a $10 million transfer from the Illinois Power Agency’s Renewable Energy Resources Fund for the 2016 budget.

In addition to the budget address, the Senate convened in executive session this week to consider some of the Governor’s appointments.  Brien Sheahan was confirmed as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, by a vote of 49-1-1.  Chairman Sheahan’s term runs through January 20^th of 2020.

The Illinois Energy Association will be hosting a reception honoring the House Committees on March 4^th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Arlington’s.  The Senate Committee reception will be on March 11^th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Augie’s Front Burner. Those wishing to attend these events should contact Erica Drake at edrake@elaineg75.sg-host.com  .

The House returns to Springfield next Wednesday through Friday.  The Senate does not return until March 3^rd.  The bill filing deadline for the Senate was this Friday, with the House bill filing deadline set for next Friday.

1. Monk
2. Evans

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