General Assembly to Return to Springfield Next Week

The Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield for three days next week to take up a spring session workload long delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The legislators will have to pledge to follow IDPH guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. That includes pre-session testing of all legislators for COVID-19.

The House will be called to order six blocks away from the State Capitol at the Bank of Springfield Center to take advantage of the spacious convention center floor for social distancing.

The Senate, whose membership is half the House's 118 seats, will meet in its regular chamber.

The typical spring legislative session ends with a scheduled May 31 adjournment and typically a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

One local legislator thanked his constituents for their efforts to get the General Assembly back to work.

State Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon said, "This return for special session is thanks to my many constituents who contacted the Governor and Democratic leaders, imploring them to bring the General Assembly back to Springfield. Some people have given up on the notion that the residents of downstate Illinois can make a difference in state government. This is an example that is simply not true."