Prairie State Wire

The Illinois House Executive Committee recently favorably recommended a Senate bill amendment that alters the Downstate Public Transportation Act.

House Committee Amendment 1 of Senate Bill 1805 extends sunset provisions and workarounds for the hotel/motel and ride share taxes.

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) also said it establishes new funds to receive and disperse involving money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

"This amendment makes provisions so that ethics commissions are fully funded and independent," Harris said. "It expands the governor’s transfer authority from 2 percent to 8 percent and it allows county fair funds to go to extension and ag education if those fairs are canceled. It also creates a legislative oversight body to review and have oversight over the governor’s actions regarding recovery."

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) asked if some emergency budget authority for the governor in the amendment identifies him allowed to set aside 15 percent of funds, which Harris said he could, but that anything above that percentage had to be approved by the General Assembly.

Demmer also asked if there were any changes to interest rates or procedures, which Harris said there were not.

Demmer also asked about the McCormick Place expansion project.

"This is a way to allow them to access their own borrowing because of the cancellation of many shows," Demmer said. "Does this incur or assume ability for the state on that borrowing?"

Harris said it would help shield the state from paying McCormick's debt service.

House Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) asked for an explanation for the Legislative Oversight Budget Commission.

"As we’re giving the governor certain authority during this situation, we want the General Assembly to be aware of any changes he has made or actions that are taken," Harris said. "(The Commission) will include a monthly report to the entire General Assembly. It is a bipartisan bicameral committee that (the governor) has to come before quarterly to discuss."

The amendment received eight "Yes" votes and five "No" votes, and was favorably recommended for adoption to the House floor.