The House and Senate were both in Session this week. The legislative year has gotten off to a slow start, with few scheduled Session days and even fewer scheduled Committees. The bill drafting deadline for both Chambers was January 22nd, but few bills have actually been filed.
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The Governor’s State of the State Address was on Wednesday. The speech was focused on his “Turnaround Agenda” and “Transformation Agenda”. The Governor made clear, that despite the gridlock caused by the budget impasse, he does not intend to back off his reform agenda. The Governor announced two executive actions to help move his agenda forward. The Governor created The Department of Innovation and Technology to help consolidate, modernize and streamline the State’s information technology systems. The Governor also announced the creation of a private economic development corporation that will partner with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to enhance the State’s economic development initiatives.
The State of Illinois has now gone almost seven months without a State Budget. Court orders have mandated that agencies continue to pay many employees and providers, but those organization and departments not covered by court mandates are starting to show signs of financial distress. Some of the State’s largest charities have announced layoffs and closures and the State’s higher education system is starting to falter.
The budget impasse has created gridlock within the legislature and very few legislative initiatives have been able to gain momentum. No Committees related to the utility or energy industry have met in the House and the only relevant Committee to meet in the Senate was the Environment and Conservation Committee that met to take subject matter testimony on new technology to recycle plastics.
The House and Senate are not scheduled to return to Springfield until February 10th. Both Chambers are only scheduled to meet for five days in February. The legislative calendar is likely to remain light until after the Primary Election on March 15th.
The Energy Association will be hosting its Annual Energy Lobbyists’ Breakfast. The event will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in the Ballroom at the Sangamo Club. Our guest speaker this year will be State Representative Brandon Phelps, Chairman of the House Public Utilities Committee. Please contact our office at 217-523-7348 or email me at jmonk@elaineg75.sg-host.com to let us know if you will be attending the breakfast. The deadline for RSVP’s is close of business on Monday, February 8th.
J. Monk
P. Evans
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