By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – There is still no word on when the Illinois General Assembly will be back in session.
One concern is the safety of the 177 lawmakers, their staffs, and anybody else who would come to see what’s going on and connect with everybody. Illinois does not have a provision to, for example, meet via Zoom.
Some of the operations offices, such as the clerk of the court, are beginning to open, which could be a sign of progress.
State Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) says one idea which has been floated is to have lawmakers vote on the floor in groups of ten, after having listened to debates in their offices. Murphy also says the convention center downtown has offered its space, in the event lawmakers want an extra-large place to meet.
Members of the House and Senate have been having conference calls in working groups to tackle the most important issues. The new fiscal year starts July 1, and if the budget does not pass by May 31, it needs a three-fifths supermajority. Of course, the state went much of the Rauner years with no budget, so anything can happen around here.
Dave Dahl can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
