Veto Session Action (or Perhaps, Inaction)

Happy Monday!

The veto session has indeed been surprisingly tranquil, with the legislative body displaying a noticeable lack of activity when it comes to voting on new proposals. 

One cannot help but notice the marked contrast from the usual bustling atmosphere within the chambers. The quietness of the veto session has given rise to questions about the reasons behind this approach. Is it a strategic move to deliberate more thoroughly on complex issues, or is it indicative of a larger legislative spring session? Only time will tell.

Property Tax Omnibus

HB 2507 (D-Kifowit), which was issued an amendatory veto by the Governor in August, resurfaced as SB 2315 during the veto session. The new bill included a majority of the elements in the original proposal from the spring, with the exception of a provision that provided tax breaks to private nursing homes. In his veto message, Governor Pritzker indicated, “That change will have the effect of raising property taxes on homeowners who are already overburdened and risks driving some residents into foreclosure while simultaneously threatening local school funding.” 

The new version of the bill included many of the items that were in the original, such as adding a 100% property tax exemption for veterans of World War II, adding a new 50% exemption for surviving spouses of fallen police officers, firefighters and first responders as well as allowing a new referendum method for increasing a tax levy under PTELL. Rep. Kifowit has indicated that although the tax break for nursing homes was not included in the new bill, she is planning to continue negotiations on this topic as we move into the spring session. The bill passed the House with a vote of 103-0-1 but was not taken up for a concurrence vote in the Senate before the chamber adjourned. We expect continued discussions on this topic in the spring.

Invest in Kids 

The Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program was enacted in 2017. One of the key features of the Invest In Kids Program was the provision of a 75% income tax credit to both individuals and businesses that made contributions to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). However, it is important to note that the program was designed with a sunset provision as part of the agreement reached during the 2017 negotiations surrounding the Evidence-Based Funding formula. This means that the program was never intended to be a permanent fixture. 

As the General Assembly closed out the veto session, no changes were made to the Invest in Kids Program, concluding the sunsetting of the program. 

Inclusive School Meals

HB 3643 (also known as SB 0167) passed both chambers during the spring session, requiring the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to establish a master contract with vendors offering meals that meet religious dietary requirements like Halal and Kosher. Upon student request, school districts would purchase these meals from vendors secured through the State Board's master contract. The meals must be prepackaged, adhere to USDA nutritional guidelines, and not cost more than federally reimbursable meals. The Governor vetoed HB 3643 stating, “Providing students with culturally appropriate meals at school is an effort I support. However, while well-intentioned, this bill requires the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into a master contract they cannot execute. Further, the General Assembly did not appropriate funding for such a contract.”

SB 457 was filed during the fall veto session in response to the Governor’s veto of HB 3643. SB 457 mandates the State Board of Education, subject to funding, to notify school districts of prepackaged meal options, including halal and kosher choices, under statewide master contracts for the upcoming school year. Ultimately, although the new version of the bill was passed by the Senate, the measure was not taken up in the House before the veto session ended and is therefore still considered vetoed.

Spring 2024 Legislative Session 

In the upcoming spring legislative session, we should anticipate a flurry of legislative activity with a diverse range of bills expected to be filed. 

The key areas of focus in the upcoming session will likely revolve around legislation that increases support personnel minimum salary, early childhood education and tier 2 pension reform. Another topic that is likely to garner significant attention is school mascots. 

As the spring legislative session unfolds, we can look forward to robust discussions and debates surrounding these important issues. As we anticipate legislation being filed, now is the time to reach out to your local legislators and communicate the impact of possible bill proposals. 

Thank you 

As the holiday season approaches, the IASA/Illinois ASBO Government Relations team wants to take a moment to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to each and every one of you. We hope you're all getting ready to embrace the upcoming holidays. 

Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community, and we look forward to sharing another amazing year with you!