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| Veto Session Work Could Go Beyond Vetoes |
(IRN) -- There could be some new legislation introduced during the Veto Session beginning this week in Springfield.
Some of those bills include abolishing the death penalty, legislation to create new casinos and to allow slot machines at horse racing tracks, and legislation that would make civil unions legal.
So what does Gov. Pat Quinn think? He's not keen on the expansion of gambling, even though those in the horse racing industry say Quinn would sign the bill, should it pass, because it maintains 20,000 jobs and has the potential to create 10,000 more. Quinn campaigned as being the jobs governor.
Asked about the bill, Quinn said "you can't gamble your way to prosperity in Illinois."
On the death penalty, those looking to abolish it say they are counting on State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) to draft a bill. In a written statement, Yarbrough pledged her support. Quinn has maintained the moratorium on executions but has said that he supports the death penalty for the most heinous of crimes.
Another issue that could come up is free transit rides for senior citizens. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has said that there should at least be a means test to see who truly needs the free rides. Quinn says doing away with free rides for seniors wouldn't save the state any money. As far as a means test, Quinn says if Social Security doesn't have one neither should free rides for seniors.
On civil unions, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) says he's looking for bi-partisan support. Quinn is in favor of civil unions.
And what about that 1 percentage point proposed income tax increase? That may or may not come up. Quinn says funding for education is the state's top priority and that 1 percentage point hike would go to fund education.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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