(IRN) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Supporters of a union-backed bill that would allow Ameren Illinois a monopoly over the construction of new transmission lines vow to continue to push for passage. Governor J.B. Pritzker vetoed the portion of the bill that dealt with the right-of-first refusal.

During the fall veto session, lawmakers have the option of accepting the governor’s changes, overriding the veto so that the bill becomes law as passed, or letting it die due to the veto.

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. says he is not optimistic of an override, so he plans to get the word out.

Walsh argues the competitive bid process opens up construction projects to out-of-state companies with out-of-state workers.