SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The fall veto session has come and gone in Springfield with only one major accomplishment: allowing construction of nuclear power plants after a 36-year moratorium.
The governor’s office said he will sign a bill allowing the construction of new nuclear facilities.
During debate Thursday, the last day of veto session, two representatives who opposed a previous version of the bill - a bill Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed - said they were now in favor.
“Climate change is an existential threat to our planet,” said State Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), “and, as we try to work to decarbonize, we are going to need energy options for the future.”
However, State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) is not too keen on nuclear power plants.
“I am hopeful we will not need this proposal, and that technology advances and solid policy decisions around the energy space will preclude the need to develop additional nuclear power,” she said.
“I don’t believe that nuclear power, with all its risks and costs, is the answer to our climate crisis or addressing our capacity needs.”
HB 2473 has passed the Senate, 44-7, and the House, 98-8, and awaits the governor’s action.
However, for House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), it’s easier to talk about what didn’t get done.
“Well, we certainly didn’t discuss anything with ethics, and here we are again, in the middle of a trial, and we’re going to be approaching another trial in the spring,” referring to corruption allegations against former Chicago alderman Ed Burke and former House speaker Mike Madigan.
“Nothing is addressed. It blows my mind that we are not talking about that. No property tax relief of any sort.”
The chambers passed different versions of a process for electing Chicago school board members. There was no action on “Karina’s Bill,” addressing guns and domestic violence.
But the topic that was the most talk and the least action was Invest in Kids, a program by which donors to private-school scholarships could get a 75% tax break. The program, established while Bruce Rauner was governor, expires Dec. 31.
“I know that the votes are here,” said State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich).
“Call the bill. These kids will not be ignored, They will not be silenced. Call the bill. Save the scholarships. Call the bill, Mr. Speaker, right now!”
Lawmakers return Jan. 16.
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