SPRINGFIELD – The fall veto session of the Illinois General Assembly, which was scheduled to begin Nov. 17, has been canceled amid a worsening COVID-19 pandemic, Democratic leaders announced Nov. 10.

 

House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon, both Democrats, said in a joint statement that the decision to cancel the session was made out of concern for the safety of lawmakers, staff, their families and the general public, although they left open the possibility that it could be rescheduled if public health conditions improve.

 

The CATA and others had hoped to use the veto session to roll back the $10,000 limit on the tax credit available on traded-in First Division vehicles. The cap took effect this year to raise money for state infrastructure projects. Key lawmakers have indicated their support for the repeal.

 

Lawmakers typically hold a brief session in the fall to deal with any legislation from the regular session that was vetoed by the governor. This year’s session was scheduled to run Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3. 

 

This year, however, there were no vetoes to deal with, largely because the regular session was severely shortened due to the pandemic, which reached its initial peak in April and early May. The House and Senate held a brief, four-day special session in late May, under strict masking and social distancing requirements, after it appeared the pandemic was subsiding.

 

The 101st General Assembly officially comes to an end on Jan. 12, the day before the next session begins and newly-elected and reelected lawmakers are sworn into office.