By Jerry Nowicki
In a series of downstate news conferences coinciding with the Illinois State Fair, governor JB Pritzker this week gave an update on the possibility of a special session, outlined new State infrastructure investments, and announced a new program for some Illinoisans over age 55.
Although the governor quickly announced he would call a special session after the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade was overturned in June, lawmakers thus far have not scheduled any return to the Capitol.
Last week, Pritzker wasn’t any clearer as to when he expected lawmakers to return to address issues such as abortion rights and gun violence.
“As you know, the working groups are hard at work in the House of Representatives, working on various aspects of legislation, working with advocates, listening to them,” he said. “And so we’re cautiously optimistic that they’ll be able to come up with ideas for us to be able to bring forward in a special session, or in veto session, or some of it may even be in the new year.”
Tuesday this week, Pritzker was asked about session again, noting he was in favor of banning high-capacity magazines and assault-style weapons similar to those used in the Highland Park July 4 shooting.
But, he said, measures passed after May 31 need three-fifths supermajorities to become law immediately once signed. Bills passed with simple majorities after that date cannot take effect until June 1 of the following year, or in this case June 1, 2023. Measures passed after Jan. 1, however, can take effect immediately on a simple majority vote.
“So the question is, can they come up with a compromise or bills that will meet my requirements that could get done before the new session, and that’s what I’m looking for,” he said.
The regular veto session is scheduled for November. 15-17 and November 29 through December 1.
• PACE program: On Senior Day at the Fair in Springfield Monday, Pritzker and representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Services announced the State’s participation in a Medicare- and Medicaid-funded program aimed at giving Illinoisans aged 55 and older in certain communities an alternative to nursing home care.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, will be available to Illinoisans age 55 and older who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare in west Chicago, south Chicago, southern Cook County, Peoria, and East St. Louis.
The program provides coordinated medical care and social services to adults who fit those categories and qualify for nursing home care but can safely live at home.
It’s a federal program that Illinois tried to participate in in the 1990s, IDHS Director Theresa Eagleson said, but participation was minimal. Pritzker said 31 states all ready have such programs in place.
“Seniors who enroll in PACE will receive interdisciplinary and comprehensive services in their communities right at home,” Pritzker said. “That’s everything from home and personal care to individualize specialty medical care and diagnostic services.”
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government that is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
— Capitol News Illinois