Springfield News
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A comprehensive package of energy bills faces a tough path to make it to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk before the end of spring legislative session, especially with another major energy company putting forward its own bill earlier this month.
A coalition of groups and lawmakers unveiled an ambitious bill to move Illinois to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. [Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition]
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Opponents of Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposal to hike taxes on the video gaming industry on Thursday offered a counter-proposal, which it estimates will bring in more than the $89 million from the tax increase the governor needs to balance the state budget.
Charts displayed at a House committee hearing Thursday make the case for allowing increase in the maximum number of video gaming terminals an establishment can own from five to six and an increase in the maximum bet from $2 to $4. [Hannah Meisel/The Daily Line]
However, it’s unclear whether serious consideration of the proposal would invite traditional gaming interests to pile on their own requests.
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When Illinois’ video gaming industry went live in 2012, the extra bodies that began filling small taverns, American Legion and VFW halls eventually made up for the business that had slowed when the state banned smoking in nearly all establishments early in 2008.
But video gaming owners and operators this week will mobilize against Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed increase to Illinois’ 30 percent tax on video gaming terminals, descending on Springfield Wednesday to lobby lawmakers ahead of a Thursday hearing on the tax hike, which Pritzker’s administration is hoping to net $89 million more for the state next year.
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Credit ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service gave Gov. JB Pritzker’s push for a graduated income tax a mixed review on Monday, urging lawmakers to earmark an increase in tax revenues for the state’s $133.5 billion unfunded pension liability.
The ratings agency also warned the change could backfire if the economy slides into a recession.
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The push to legalize marijuana in Illinois that began in earnest more than two years ago took a major step forward Saturday as Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a measure that would take effect Jan. 1.
Gov. JB Pritzker said he welcomed feedback on his proposal. [Twitter/@GovPrtizker]
But it remains unclear whether the marathon effort — launched in March 2017 by state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Edgewater) and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Rogers Park) — will make it over the finish line in less than a month.
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A bill that would increase training standards for certain laborers dealing with hazardous materials and require businesses to pay the prevailing wage in merit shops has been given another extension after the Senate Black Caucus refused to sign off on the bill again as a deal between the caucus and the bill’s sponsor fell apart Thursday.
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After the Senate’s historic vote Wednesday on a constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax in Illinois, senators also voted on a trio of bills proposed by Senate Democrats earlier in the week, including potential rates for the new tax brackets that would be created if voters approve the ballot question in November 2020.
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The Senate on Thursday is set to vote on the bill that business groups called “forced unionization” and that the Senate Black Caucus refused to sign off on until there were guarantees that minority representation in trade unions will increase in meaningful ways.
State Sen. Mike Hastings said SB 1407 is needed to protect firms from hiring out-of-state workers. [Hannah Meisel/The Daily Line; submitted]
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Ahead of a vote on a constitutional amendment to allow Illinois’ to collect a graduated income tax — Gov. JB Pritzker’s top priority — state senators on Tuesday released the accompanying rates lawmakers will also have to vote on, which have been amended to address concerns about a so-called “marriage penalty.”
A Tesla electric car. [Tesla]
