Lawmakers scale back January schedule

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers have scaled back their schedule for January’s lame duck session in Springfield.

Both the state Senate and House have cancelled days.

The Senate meets Jan. 2 through Jan. 4. Senate officials announced Monday that they’ve canceled meeting Jan. 5 through Jan. 7. Senate President John Cullerton’s spokeswoman says the Senate may return on Tuesday, Jan. 8, if senators need to respond to any House action. The House had planned to meet Jan. 3, but a memo from House Speaker Michael Madigan’s office says the initial days are cancelled and representatives won’t meet until Sunday, Jan. 6. They plan to also meet Jan. 7 and Jan. 8.

Lawmakers could consider legislation on driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, pensions and gay marriage.

New lawmakers will be sworn in Jan. 9.