It was back to Springfield this week for Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) as the fall veto session began and Illinois lawmakers began the process of considering dozens of measures covering a wide variety of issues, which were vetoed by the Governor.
If three-fifths of the members in each chamber vote to override the veto, then the legislation becomes law. However, legislative action during veto session isn’t limited to vetoes, giving lawmakers an opportunity to act on other pressing issues prior to returning for the spring 2018 legislative session. Veto session will continue on November 7.
This Saturday, October 28, Senator Fowler is encouraging constituents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. To find a pill disposal location in your community, go to the National Take Back Initiative Collection Site Search.
Recently, Senator Fowler was appointed to the newly created Agriculture Education Shortage Task Force, which aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage in agriculture education. “In 2016, high schools in Illinois had 85 openings for agriculture teachers, but universities in Illinois graduated only 21 agriculture education majors,” Fowler said. “Of those, only 14 went on to teach. Agriculture is a vital industry in Illinois. We have to do what we can to encourage students to go into this field.”
Veterans Day
Senator Fowler is continuing to encourage constituents to submit a tribute and photo of their friends and family who have served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol, Nov. 1 through Nov. 13. More information about both opportunities is available at Senator Fowler’s website senatorfowler.com.