SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) -With Illinois’ fall veto session approaching, state lawmakers representing Central Illinois are outlining their legislative priorities.
The General Assembly’s veto session gives lawmakers an opportunity to reconsider legislation vetoed by the governor, revisit bills that did not advance during the regular legislative session and introduce new measures.
State Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur), whose district includes portions of McLean County, said she is focused on three priorities: electronic monitoring of criminal defendants, property tax relief and ethics reform.
Deering raised concerns about individuals accused or convicted of crimes who are released under electronic monitoring, citing Cook County cases in which they allegedly committed additional offenses.
She also called for changes to Illinois’ property tax system, arguing that the tax burden is too high.
“We are talking to residents all across the state every day, and their top issue is the fact that Illinois has the highest property tax burden in the land,” said Deering.
“So, we have people receiving their property tax assessments right now, varying by counties, and they want to know what we’re doing to make sure that seniors can stay in their homes.”
On ethics reform, Deering pointed to recent controversies involving state lawmakers, including one who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations and another facing a federal indictment.
25News contacted two Democratic state representatives from Central Illinois to discuss their priorities ahead of the veto session.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, did not respond to a request for an interview.
State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, provided a short statement outlining her priorities.
“Veto session is a time for housekeeping: to review bills that were vetoed by the governor and see how we can improve them. My priority in the veto session is to pass legislation that will help families in my district and across the state,” said Chung.
On the GOP side, Deering discussed the POWER Act, proposed legislation that would establish regulations for hyperscale data centers, including requirements related to environmental impacts, water consumption and energy use.
Deering, who serves on the House Energy and Environment Committee, said lawmakers must consider how to regulate data centers while recognizing the potential tax revenue they could generate for local communities.
“I think we could take a look at what’s working well, what demands we would like to make from companies that are bringing data centers to our communities,” said Deering.
“So, I think veto session is a great time to visit the POWER Act. A number of my constituents have sent me emails since this frame, encouraging me to have that conversation.”
The fall veto session runs from Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.
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