Review of Illinois Lame Duck Session

By: Jacqueline Muhammad
Contributions By: Rich Clemmons and Liz Brown-Reeves

Emanuel “Chris” Welch was elected Speaker of the Illinois House, making him the first African American in Illinois history to hold the position. Welch’s victory comes after Michael Madigan, the longest serving speaker in U.S. history decided not to continue his campaign for the speakership. Madigan faced an uphill battle to secure the 60 votes needed as support from his party dwindled due to a federal indictment examining his role in a bribery and influence scheme with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd).

Senate President Don Harmon was reelected as Democrats continue to control the Illinois General Assembly with veto proof majorities in both chambers. The 102nd General Assembly consists of 41 Democrats to 18 Republicans in the Senate, and 73 Democrats to 45 Republicans in the House. Senate Republicans selected Senator Dan McConchie to replace retired Senator Bill Brady as their caucus leader. House Republicans voted to retain Representative Jim Durkin as their caucus leader.

Like everyone else, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to carry out their legislative responsibilities during the COVID pandemic. Speaker Welch said he would be reviewing ways to safely return to session as quickly as possible. He indicated that the House is discussing a hybrid model for remote committee hearings and in person floor action.

This lame duck session was unlike others as lawmakers pushed a 764-page bill written by the Black Caucus. Lawmakers worked all-night to get the bill passed and it is now headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The primary issues included in the bill are:

Economic Access, Equity, and Workforce Development
Health Care and Human Services Reforms
Education Reforms
Criminal Justice Reforms, Violence Reduction and Police Accountability

Ethics Reform Legislation was introduced during the last days of the session addressing various issues but was not called for a final vote prior to adjournment. Various aspects of the bill addressed issues of legislators becoming lobbyists (“revolving door” reforms) and lobbying by local governments.

Other Issues Considered but not passed:

EPA Permitting Changes-As part of the Environmental Justice discussion that would have affected numerous activities, including agriculture.
Lead water service line replacements funding
Farmer Equity Act – Proposed study to look at land ownership and economics related to Black farmers, disparities, economic issues, disadvantages in agriculture.
Cannabis Equity Commission – issuances of licenses for cannabis facilities for minorities.
Pay Day Loan businesses, effects on minorities.
Ability to do remote legislating during emergencies like the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Decoupling from Federal Tax laws related to federal CARES Act. (will be considered in new session)

Leadership

Speaker Welch announced his leadership team that is both racially and geographically diverse. Please see the list below: