Rockford Sun

Lawmakers are set to return to Springfield this week for the scheduled Veto Session, which will take place from October 14 to 16 and resume from October 28 to 30. The session is traditionally used for reviewing bills that have been vetoed or amended by the Governor, as well as addressing unresolved legislation from the spring session or introducing new proposals before the year ends.

Several proposals that were previously halted may resurface during this fall session. These include the Transit Bill, which would provide a billion-dollar bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson and transfer control of the regional transit board to Chicago, potentially increasing costs for suburban taxpayers. Other measures that could be reconsidered are a proposed $1.50 delivery tax on most packages delivered to Illinois homes, a new service tax on services such as haircuts and home repairs, and a digital advertising tax that could impact family-run businesses.

Republican lawmakers blocked these measures earlier in the year. State Senator Dave Syverson expressed concern about their possible return, stating, "If they return and are forced through, they could drive up costs for families, threaten local jobs, and harm the small businesses that keep communities strong."

Senator Syverson further stated, "The state cannot continue adding new taxes to already burdened Illinois families. The state has already collected a record $54 billion in revenue, yet the governor has imposed an additional $1 billion in tax hikes and revenue gimmicks. During this veto session, lawmakers must focus on fiscal restraint rather than taking more from hardworking families. If Illinois residents are expected to live within their means, the state should do the same."

If lawmakers choose to introduce new bills or reconsider previously unpassed legislation during the Veto Session, a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers is required for measures to take immediate effect.

Syverson, a Republican, has represented Illinois's 35th Senate District since 1993, succeeding Christine J. Johnson.