Illinois state lawmakers gathered last Friday for a lame-duck session to make up for time lost in 2020 when the majority of the legislative session days were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 session convenes on Wednesday.
On Tuesday’s St. Louis on the Air, NPR Illinois statehouse reporter Hannah Meisel gave a preview of this year's legislative session, during which lawmakers are expected to address the state budget — which is $4 billion out of balance — and several proposals designed to narrow racial economic inequities in the state.
She also discussed the move by longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, to suspend his campaign for a historic 19th term as leader of the Illinois House and what could happen if none of the representatives reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to become the next speaker.
What would you like to see Illinois lawmakers address this year? Tweet us (@STLonAir), send an email to talk@stlpublicradio.org or share your thoughts via ourSt. Louis on the Air Facebook group, and help inform our coverage.
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by Sarah Fenske and produced by Alex Heuer, Emily Woodbury, Evie Hemphill and Lara Hamdan. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.
