Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn testified during the Committee of the Whole and described the GRT as a “soak the middle class” tax. Other prominent Democrats have also voiced their opposition to the Governor’s plan, including Comptroller Daniel Hynes, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
The GRT did make some progress in the Senate, however. A Senate version was advanced by the Senate Executive Committee. The measure squeaked out on a 7-6 vote on May 8. All Republican members and one Democrat member of the Committee opposed the tax.
Utility customers came to the Capitol from across Illinois for the P.O.W.E.R (People Organized and Working for Electric Relief) rally on May 9. Many lawmakers told the crowd that the Governor needs to step forward and show leadership on this issue.
Lawmakers have received thousands of phone calls, letters and e-mails, calling for action to be taken quickly to provide relief from the soaring electric bills. Some customers have seen increases as high as 300 percent. Electric customers were hit with the increase in early February and it appears that there is no end in sight because of a legislative stalemate.
In other business, the Senate approved legislation that will require all sexual offenders incarcerated in a correctional facility to submit DNA samples, which could help local law enforcement agencies in solving “cold cases.” Once the DNA sample has been acquired and tested, it will immediately be included in the State Offender DNA Identification System. Senate Bill 710 now heads to the House of Representatives for further deliberation.
Lawmakers also advanced legislation that will better track a potentially dangerous chemical that can be used to make explosives. House Bill 1741 requires greater tracking of ammonium nitrate, a substance commonly used in agriculture as a fertilizer. It is also a key component in many bomb-making materials. The bill, which passed the Agriculture and Conservation Committee unanimously on May 9, now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
Other legislation approved by the Senate during the week of May 7 to May 11 includes:
Bicycle paths (SB 314) – Requires that the Illinois Department of Transportation give full consideration to bicycle and pedestrian ways in the planning and development of transportation facilities.
Energy assistance (SB 175) – Authorizes the Department of Human Services to institute a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) outreach program for low-income minority citizens and senior citizens.
Hate Crimes Commission (SB 1047) – Requires Senate approval of the 21 members appointed by the Governor to the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.
Guns (SB 1007) – Bans large-capacity ammunition magazines for firearms.
Mental health (SB 234) – Adjusts the involuntarily commitment standards by which a person can be involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility.
Postpartum screening (SB 15) – Requires the state to work with health care professionals to provide information for pregnant women about mental health disorders that can develop before and after birth.
Real estate (SB 310) – Requires the seller of a property to disclose if the property has been used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Truck permits (SB 26) – Allows local highway authorities to issue overweight permits for trucks transporting agricultural commodities.