ICCTA - Nov. 17, 2000 Veto Session Action Alert

ICCTA Action Alert
Nov. 17, 2000

Veto Session Update
The Illinois General Assembly convened the fall veto session on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in what is expected to be a relatively light veto session. Issues under consideration include the permanent elimination of the sales tax on gasoline and changes to several public pension systems. The Senate and the House adjourned the first part of the veto session Thursday afternoon and scheduled their return to Springfield on Nov. 28 at noon.

Issues that could be considered when the General Assembly returns on Nov. 28 include:

Pensions
The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and the higher education community is supporting an initiative that would make permanent the temporary "30 and Out" early-retirement program. Under current law, the "30 and Out" program will expire in 2003.

Proposals in the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) are under consideration that would create a "Rule 85" program. This would permit state employees to retire without penalty when their age plus their number of years of service totals 85. Currently state employees must have 35 years of service or reach age 60 to retire without penalty.

Other pension changes are under consideration in the various retirement systems.

Sales Taxes
In addition to permanently removing the state sales tax on gasoline, talks are taking place to remove the sales tax on natural gas and some other forms of energy. The state sales tax was temporarily removed from gasoline last summer and is due to be reinstated on Jan. 1, 2001. The Senate voted to remove the sales tax on gasoline and sent the measure to the House. State revenues will be permanently reduced by about $350 million annually if the measure is passed.

Spring Session Schedule
A preliminary schedule for the spring 2001 session has been released. The last days for the current General Assembly will be on Jan. 9 and the morning of Jan. 10. Later in the day on Jan. 10, the new General Assembly will be seated. Scheduled adjournment for the new General Assembly is Friday, May 25; ICCTA Lobby Day is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 9.

For additional information on state legislative issues, contact ICCTA at 1-800-454-2282.

Illinois Community College Trustees Association
401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200
Springfield, IL 62701-1711
217-528-2858 (phone)
217-528-8662 (fax)
ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail)
http://www.communitycolleges.org