By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The fall veto session has come and gone in Springfield with only one major accomplishment: allowing construction of nuclear power plants after a 36-year moratorium.

For House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), it’s easier to talk about what didn’t get done. “Well, we certainly didn’t discuss anything with ethics, and here we are again, in the middle of a trial, and we’re going to be approaching another trial in the spring,” referring to corruption allegations against former Chicago alderman Ed Burke and former House speaker Mike Madigan. “Nothing is addressed. It blows my mind that we are not talking about that. No property tax relief of any sort.”

The chambers passed different versions of a process for electing Chicago school board members. There was no action on “Karina’s Bill,” addressing guns and domestic violence.

But the topic was the most talk and the least action was Invest in Kids, a program by which donors to private-school scholarships could get a 75 percent tax break. The program, established while Bruce Rauner was governor, expires Dec. 31.

“I know that the votes are here,” said State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich). “Call the bill. These kids will not be ignored, They will not be silenced. Call the bill. Save the scholarships. Call the bill, Mr. Speaker, right now!”

Lawmakers return Jan. 16.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]