Ryan Spain, Illinois State Representative for 73d District | Official Website
Ryan Spain, Illinois State Representative for 73d District | Official Website
Illinois lawmakers concluded the fall veto session with several controversial measures, including a significant mass transit funding package, an energy bill overhaul, and changes to immigration enforcement.
Last week, Illinois Democrats passed a $2.5 billion bailout for mass transit systems after months of negotiations. The initial House version included unpopular tax hikes such as a 7% amusement tax on events and streaming services, a $5 surcharge on large event tickets, and enhanced speed camera enforcement. Governor JB Pritzker quickly rejected this first proposal.
A revised plan was introduced late in the session as Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2111. After debate that continued past midnight, the House approved the measure 72-32 along party lines; the Senate concurred by a vote of 36-21. The legislation includes $1.5 billion in new taxes and $1 billion in higher tollway charges to address a projected $200 million shortfall in transit funding.
Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond described the measure as “the largest Road Fund raid in Illinois history,” criticizing its impact on Downstate road funding and altering a long-standing transportation funding split between Chicago and Downstate areas.
Rep. Dan Ugaste objected to both the spending levels and increased tolls: “Earlier this morning, during the final moments of a chaotic veto session, House Democrats passed a bill that includes excessive spending on mass transit and an unnecessary $1 billion toll hike on suburban drivers. This bad legislation needs to be vetoed by the Governor,” Ugaste said.
State Rep. Ryan Spain commented on how recent legislative actions have affected taxpayers: “This has been one hell of a veto session,” Spain said. “It’s been an expensive couple days for taxpayers here with initiatives to increase insurance rates, energy prices, and now a massive sales tax increase throughout the RTA, including an increase on groceries for communities that did not reinstate their own grocery tax after we eliminated it.”
Spain further criticized the process: “One billion dollar tax increase for the tollway, and a betrayal of trust for people that wanted to work together in a bipartisan way, to do something good for investing in infrastructure, is a terrible day, week, experience in this General Assembly,” Spain said. “I can’t express enough my disappointment in the way that this has been handled, the way this body conducts itself, the way this chamber is operated. Something’s got to give.”
On energy policy changes, Senate Bill 25 was passed with Democratic support despite opposition from Republicans who argued it would raise costs for consumers while providing little benefit for energy production or reliability.
“First, Democrats gave us the Future Energy Jobs Act, then they gave us the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. All the while they promised their green energy initiatives would ensure reliability and bring down costs.
“Instead they’ve crippled our energy supply and caused costs to skyrocket for ratepayers. Illinois used to be a net-exporter of energy but now...we are having to import energy generated by coal and gas from other states...All because Democrats refuse to accept...we need an all of the above approach...” said Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain.
Other provisions under SB 25 include reduced local control over renewable project siting—counties may no longer zone battery projects—and decreased permit fees counties can charge developers.
The legislature also passed House Bill 1312 banning civil immigration arrests at state courthouses; it allows residents whose rights are violated by immigration agents during these arrests to sue for punitive damages under certain circumstances.
“This bill goes too far,” said State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). “It is too broad and there will be grave consequences to our state if it is adopted.” Law enforcement organizations raised similar concerns about potential unintended impacts on local policing efforts.
In economic news affecting jobs statewide—including Spain's district—electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian announced layoffs affecting more than 600 workers nationwide due to industry downturns; however no layoffs were reported at its Normal plant so far since those primarily affect salaried staff based elsewhere.
Republican leaders also pushed back against Democratic proposals regarding redistricting aimed at increasing Democratic congressional seats mid-decade—a move opposed by Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain who cited nonpartisan analysis labeling current maps as highly gerrymandered.
Additionally debated was legislation decoupling Illinois’ tax code from federal provisions which critics argue puts businesses at competitive disadvantage compared with states still tied closely with federal law; state government spending has increased substantially since Governor Pritzker took office according to legislative debate records.
Ryan Spain represents Illinois' 73rd District as its State Representative following his election in 2017.
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