Here’s a look at some of the key dates for legislative action for this new year.
On January 9 & 10th, the 99th General Assembly meets in a lame duck session. As we enter this new year, the state is now without spending authority to fund operations, except for K-12 education. A partial year funding measure expired on December 31, 2016, that had funded state operations, through the first half of the fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, every year. 
The Governor and legislative leaders have yet to agree to a new spending bill for the second half of the year.
On Wednesday, Jan 11, 2016, The new 100th General Assembly is sworn-in, with House and Senate members voting on who will represent their caucus. Speaker Madigan and Senator Cullerton, Sen Christine Radogno (R), and Rep Jim Durkin (R) are each expected to retain their leadership positions.
On January 25, Gov Rauner will deliver his third State of the State Address, highlighting the challenges and advances in the state. 
And on February 15, Gov Rauner will deliver his FY 2018 Budget Address. This comes as the Governor and Legislature have yet to pass a full year’s budget for FY 2016, or FY 2017, the current fiscal year.
