Friend --

We are a week and a half removed from the 2020 session of the Illinois General Assembly and it's time for an assessment.

Let's start with the good.? I've already written you about JCAR getting Governor Pritzker to repeal his misguided rule criminalizing violations of his COVID-19 executive order.? The Democrats originally planned to implement this rule via legislation, but ultimately declined to do so.? This is an unqualified win.

Switching to the obviously bad, the Democrats passed an unbalanced budget and an expansion of our already robust vote-by-mail program.? You can see my reaction to these measures here and here.

The General Assembly also passed the ballot language for Governor Pritzker's proposed progressive income tax amendment.? You'll hear lots more from me in the coming weeks about this.? I voted against this ballot language because it advocates for passage of the amendment rather than giving a neutral summary.

Lastly, the General Assembly abdicated its responsibility to provide oversight by failing to hold hearings on the Governor's COVID-19 plans and executive orders.? Speaker Madigan and President Harmon could rectify this failure by calling the General Assembly back to Springfield, but they currently don't show any willingness to do so.

As we move into the summer, it is time to start focusing on two things.? First, we need to make the arguments NOW to have our schools reopen in the fall!? You will hear more from me on that very soon, as well.?

Second, we also must start working to defeat the Governor's progressive income tax proposal.? Governor Pritzker's actions and rhetoric make it clear that he is unwilling to reduce spending whatsoever.? Therefore, his progressive tax proposal can only mean higher taxes on all of us.

Finally, I have joined many other Southern Illinois leaders in asking that the Amateur Trapshooting Association be allowed to hold the Grand American shoot at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex from July 31 to August 15.? If you are willing to sign a petition in favor of this event, it is here.

Thanks for reading and S/F,

Paul?

Paul Schimpf
http://www.schimpf4illinois.com/