McHenry Times

Illinois House Republicans tried to prevent a monthlong recess on March 3, but the motion was quickly dismissed by Democrat leadership before a debate on the issue could ensue.

Illinois’ District 66 House candidate Allen Skillicorn condemned the behavior and said voters should take note.

"Illinois has been operating without a budget for 9 months," Skillicorn said. "Speaker Madigan's plan - take a monthlong vacation. Remember that on Tuesday, March 15th, primary Election Day! Instead of focusing on passing a budget, Democrats led by Mike Madigan decide to take a five-week vacation instead."

Last, Thursday, State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) addressed the House and requested that members continue working to solve urgent issues and avoid a monthlong break, but his efforts were fruitless.

“Mr. Speaker, several times during today’s debate we’ve heard this is not a solution, that there’s still work to do, that we still have a lot of conversations to have and bills to work on,” Demmer said in his speech, which was recorded on video. “I’m asking that the House stand adjourned until tomorrow at 12 noon.”

Demmer went on to request an official vote.

“If you vote ‘Yes,’ you’re voting to keep working," Demmer said. "If you vote ‘No,’ you’re voting to leave for more than a month and not come back until April. I ask that you stand with me. I ask for a recorded vote on a motion to adjourn 'til Friday, March 4 at the hour of noon.”

The leadership ruled Demmer’s motion out of line with the rules before declaring the monthlong break.

“It’s egregious that House Democrats would find it acceptable to take a month off during the heart of legislative session, especially given the challenges we face,” Demmer told The Caucus Blog. “My motion to stay in session was legitimate and was made completely in line with the House rules - the Democrats’ own rules.”

According to House rules, a motion to adjourn can be made at any time, except when a prior motion has been defeated.

Illinois House Rule 66 (e) states: “A motion to adjourn for more than three days is not in order unless both chambers of the General Assembly have adopted a joint resolution permitting that adjournment. Notwithstanding any other provision of these rules, a resolution filed under this rule may be referred to the Rules Committee by the presiding officer or may be immediately considered and adopted by the House."

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) determines the session schedule and placed a monthlong gap in March.

The House will resume its session on April 4.