General Assembly Returns for Start of 2012 Session

 The Illinois General Assembly returns January 31 to kick off the 2012 legislative session. With the March 20^th election primaries just around the corner, it is not expected that the legislative intensity will be too great until April. Under the Illinois Constitution, the 2012 session should be focused on the state budget. With an expected $500 million shortfall this fiscal year and the recent financial downgrade of the state by S & P, lawmakers really need to stay focused on the state’s finances.

An interesting dynamic for session this year will be the number of legislators who are not seeking re-election or face competitive primary opposition. Eleven Senators are retiring and an additional twelve may be added to the lame duck list after March 20^th. Sixteen House members are not returning, seven of whom are vying for advancement to the Senate. Another twenty representatives face primary opposition. On many key issues, lame ducks are more freewheeling and less inclined to adhere to ideologue or party positions.