Carbondale Reporter

State Senator Dale Fowler highlighted the upcoming veto session in a Facebook post dated November 5, stating, "While traditionally focused on addressing legislation vetoed by the Governor, this year there are no vetoes on the agenda."

"The Illinois General Assembly's annual Fall Veto Session is approaching, scheduled for November 12-14 and November 19-21," said Fowler, according to Facebook. "While traditionally focused on addressing legislation vetoed by the Governor, this year there are no vetoes on the agenda. Veto Session also provides an opportunity to revisit legislative items that were left unresolved or not addressed during the spring session."

According to a blog post from the Illinois House Republicans’ Caucus Blog, the 2024 veto session is a two-week period between October and November. It allows legislators to review the governor’s actions, potentially overriding his vetoes or advancing legislation that was not completed during the regular session.

Screenshot of Sen. Dale Fowler's Nov. 5 Facebook post. | State Senator Dale Fowler's Facebook page

The blog explains that Governor J.B. Pritzker has four types of vetoes at his disposal. A total veto requires a three-fifths majority vote from both chambers of the General Assembly to be overridden. An amendatory veto occurs when the governor alters a law; if these changes are accepted, he will sign it into law. Legislators can either do nothing, secure a three-fifths vote to maintain the bill, or subject the changes to a simple vote. A line-item veto can also be overruled with a three-fifths vote. For a reduction veto, if legislators oppose the suggested changes, they need only a simple majority vote to override the appropriations change proposed by the governor. If no action is taken by legislators, the reductions chosen by the governor will take effect.

Fowler represents Illinois' 59th Senate District and has an extensive background in public service and business development. Before joining the state senate, he served as mayor of Harrisburg and currently works as a business development officer for People’s National Bank in Harrisburg since retiring from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012. His political experience includes roles as city commissioner and Saline County Board member. He also chairs Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program aimed at educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities.