Peoria Standard

Nov 9, 2023

House Deputy Minority Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) has expressed his disappointment at the conclusion of the Illinois House of Representatives fall veto session. In a statement, Spain highlighted the lack of action on important issues and criticized the decision to not preserve the Invest in Kids scholarship program.

Spain acknowledged the positive step taken by the General Assembly in sending legislation to the Governor to end the 36-year moratorium on nuclear energy development. However, he expressed his disappointment that no action was taken on other significant matters during the veto session. One of the key issues left unaddressed was ethics reform, particularly concerning the ongoing trial of Ed Burke in federal court. Spain also emphasized the need for tax and regulatory reform to support families and small businesses.

However, the most distressing aspect for Spain was Speaker Welch's refusal to call legislation to preserve the Invest in Kids scholarship program. He criticized the Democrats for prioritizing the wishes of special interests over the needs of underprivileged students and their families. Spain lamented the end of a program that had given hope to many children across the state.

In his statement, Spain said, "Nothing was done to address ethics reform, even as Ed Burke stands trial in federal court right now, nor anything to address tax and regulatory reform for families and small businesses. Most distressingly though, Speaker Welch refused to call legislation to preserve the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Come January, thousands of underprivileged students and their families across our state will be left behind because Democrats bowed to the wishes of special interest over the needs of children. It’s a shameful end to this program that gave hope to so many children."

As the veto session concluded, Spain's disappointment reflects a missed opportunity to address crucial issues and ensure the well-being of Illinois residents. The lack of action on ethics reform and tax and regulatory reform raises concerns about the government's commitment to transparency and supporting the economy. Moreover, the failure to preserve the Invest in Kids scholarship program has left many underprivileged students without access to educational opportunities.

It remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the state and its residents in the coming months. However, Spain's statement serves as a reminder that elected officials must prioritize the needs of the people they represent and work towards finding solutions to pressing issues.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repryanspain.com/2023/11/09/rep-spain-issues-statement-on-the-conclusion-of-veto-session/