No Debate

John D. Cavaletto (R)

Cavaletto Says 'Smart Grid' Vote Caught House Members By Surprise - WJBD

Governor Pat Quinn is calling it 'monkey business', but State Representative John Cavaletto says many legislators were caught off guard when a vote was taken on the 'Smart Grid' legislation without debate.

Quinn is upset that 18 Illinois House members weren't on the floor and had someone else vote for them when the chamber overrode his veto this week. Quinn wants the absentee voting to be investigated. The bill will raise electric rates for Ameren and ComEd customers to pay to modernize the state's power grid.

Cavaletto said he was ready to listen to debate on the issue and the trailer bill when he heard the issue called to a vote. He rushed out of the bathroom and headed back to his seat in time to vote, but says a group of lawmakers were holding a meeting at the time of the 'surprise' vote. Cavaletto was leaning against voting for the override because of concern the higher electric rates would have for those on fixed income and businesses with higher electric usage. When there was no debate to explain help that would be provided by the trailer bill, Cavaletto voted 'no'.

Cavaletto said he never learned why the bill was called without any debate.