Quinn Wants Delays In Political Appointee Bill

Governor Quinn filed an amendatory veto Tuesday to delay a bill that would remove gubernatorial appointees serving beyond their term limits. The bill, sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton, would have given the governor 30 days to replace some 700 appointees, many whose terms expired months or even years ago. The Tribune reports Quinn filed the veto to the bill to delay the measure for a few months in order to have time to recruit people for the vacant posts.

The governor agrees with the spirit of the bill, but not the timing. According to the State Journal Register, the governor said in a message “My recommendations for change would honor the intent of the sponsors but would also give citizens ample time to apply for a vacant position.” Lawmakers now can either approve the changes, override the veto or let the bill die. A spokesman for Senate President John Cullerton said “At this point, we're going to study the governor's action to see if it complies with the constitution.”