Republican Leaders Criticize, Democrats Reluctant to Discuss Specifics for Final Month of Session
House Speaker Chris Welch avoided hot button topics with business leaders Tuesday.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
With about a month remaining before the scheduled adjournment of the spring legislative session, we got a look (or lack thereof) into the priorities of the four legislative leaders Tuesday.
House Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, House GOP Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savana), and Sente GOP Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) addressed Illinois Chamber of Commerce members in succession Tuesday morning.
Both Welch and Harmon were devoid of specifics in priorities over the final month of the session, remaining non committal on issues like business incentives, environmental legislation, and amending the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
“I am disappointed at the recklessness the Democratic majority displayed in passing the most onerous, trial [lawyer] friendly BIPA law in the nation,” Curran said. “The Illinois Supreme Court has asked the General Assembly to weigh in and we must.”
McCombie said she wants action to help business.
“Let’s be honest: our taxes are too high, we have too many regulations and mandates that are placed on you do not always help you,” McCombie said. “What you need is for us, as government, to get out of your way.”
As for settling on a budget over the final month, it isn’t yet clear if Republicans will be involved in the final discussions.
McCombie disclosed she and Welch have met weekly during the legislative session, but says the GOP needs to be involved in budget negotiations.
“We need to be at the table,” McCombie said. “If [Democrats] come to me in the final hours, like they have done in the past, it’s going to be extremely hard to negotiate a budget. They don’t need one single vote from us. But we have to have a seat at the table. If they want us to participate, we have to be there.”
Welch was asked if the legislature could pass a budget by the scheduled May 19 adjournment date.
“What’s the most important thing is to pass a budget that does two things: it is fiscally responsible and it’s compassionate at the same time,” he said. “If we can do that, we’ll be out of here May 19th.”
McCombie, who spoke immediately after Welch commented on adjournment, questioned if the legislature will be done on time.
“I’m curious as well about May 19th, and I don’t think that was a for sure hard stop on May 19th. Did you take it that way,” McCombie asked with a smile. “I’m just gonna put bets on ‘no,’ but we’ll see.”
Harmon was more direct.
“We’re outta here May 19th.”