Lawmaker looks to lose lame duck
Updated: January 25, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- One state lawmaker says it's unfair to pass big ticket laws during a lame duck session, so he wants to do away with them for good. It's a time when it's a little easier to get bills passed with a simple majority of yes votes. Otherwise, there has to be 60% consensus.
Plus, when the session involves retiring lawmakers or those who weren't re-elected, most are more willing to make a risky vote. That's why, during lame duck days, we're more likely to see big controversial topics come up. One at the beginning of the month involved okaying drivers licenses for illegal immigrants.
Critics say it's a loophole and they want to see all ideas given the same treatment no matter when the issue's brought up. Some want to bump up votes during lame duck sessions to a 3/5 vote. That's 60%.
But, Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says he knows it won't come without a fight since lame duck sessions have been so successful in getting those tough issues passed. There wasn't much this last round, but two years ago is when lawmakers passed the income tax hike, civil unions and banned the death penalty.
Plus, when the session involves retiring lawmakers or those who weren't re-elected, most are more willing to make a risky vote. That's why, during lame duck days, we're more likely to see big controversial topics come up. One at the beginning of the month involved okaying drivers licenses for illegal immigrants.
Critics say it's a loophole and they want to see all ideas given the same treatment no matter when the issue's brought up. Some want to bump up votes during lame duck sessions to a 3/5 vote. That's 60%.
But, Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says he knows it won't come without a fight since lame duck sessions have been so successful in getting those tough issues passed. There wasn't much this last round, but two years ago is when lawmakers passed the income tax hike, civil unions and banned the death penalty.
