This week was a short one in Springfield, as the winter weather cut short the first week of floor votes and House Committee action. Wednesday’s temperatures plunged into the negative 20+ degrees in Southern Illinois and as low as more than -50 degrees below zero in Chicago!
Although the legislative week was shortened due to the weather, there was a significant move made by Illinois House Democrats on the issue of parliamentary procedure.
These kinds of things can get a bit “in the weeds” for the average person that isn’t familiar with the way the House does it’s business, but I have taken the time to explain in detail why “The Madigan Rules” matter to you and to all of the people of the State of Illinois in my press release below.
We’ll do a quick wrap up on this week’s news and then preview Monday’s upcoming Town Hall meeting with my colleagues State Representative Terri Bryant and State Representative Patrick Windhorst. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE. God bless you and may God continue to bless the State of Illinois and the United States of America.
PRESS RELEASE – Severin Says Madigan’s Super Majority Hands him Total Control
Springfield….On the first day for floor votes in the 101st General Assembly, 117th District State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) voted no on a proposal he says gives Mike Madigan total control over the legislative process. Severin and all other House Republicans voted no on HR 59, which establishes the parliamentary rules by which the chamber will operate for the 101st General Assembly.
“When I think of the word Democracy, when I think of what a Constitutional Republic is supposed to be, one-man, one-party rule doesn’t exactly come to mind,” Severin said. “Today I was proud to vote against a Resolution that will ensure Mike Madigan has total control of the process.”
Severin, a 2nd term State Representative, says he learned quickly during his first term that Speaker Madigan wields enormous power over the legislative process.
“Madigan can sweep good ideas from the Republican side of the aisle under the rug, and bury them in his Rules committee or in some sub-committee,” Severin said. “After today’s vote, Madigan can now drop major pieces of legislation on legislators’ desks just one hour prior to voting, and bring legislation directly to the House Floor without so much as a Committee hearing. With that vote, Democrats gave him total control.”
Severin says he is disappointed that efforts made by Republicans to alter Madigan’s proposed House Rules would allow for more public input were ignored.
“It doesn’t just look bad,” Severin said. “The House Rules adopted today are bad public policy. I was in support of HR 62, which also establishes Rules for the House and addresses some of the concerns that members from my side of the aisle had with issues of transparency and public access to amendments to legislation.”
“Madigan has the power and the votes push anything he desires in the next two years,” Severin said. “I want my constituents to know that I do not support Madigan’s Rules, and I voted No on Madigan for Speaker. Total control by one man just doesn’t match up with American values.”
2019 Legislative Town Hall Meeting
Marion….Terri Bryant, Dave Severin, and Patrick Windhorst will host a legislative town hall and listening session in Marion on Monday, February 4, 2019. The Representatives will make themselves available to discuss their own legislative agendas, their thoughts on actions taken during the first weeks of the Pritzker administration, and take questions from audience members.
The public and members of the media are invited to attend.
If you have any questions, you may reach Representative Bryant’s office in Murphysboro at 618-684-1100, Representative Severin’s office at 618-440-5090, or Representative Windhorst’s office at windhorst@ilhousegop.org
Who: 115th District State Representative Terri Bryant, 117th District State Representative Dave Severin, and 118th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst
What: Legislative Town Hall and Listening Session hosted by Southern Illinois State Representatives
When: February 4, 2019 – 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Midwest Event Center, 11580 Route 37 North, Marion, IL
Issues for Discussion:
Abortion (Most recent Executive Order and legislative efforts to respond)
Gun control (Gun dealer licensing bill, Assault weapons ban, SB 888)
Progressive Tax Proposal
Job Creation and Outmigration
A survey will be provided to attendees covering these topics and others like legalized recreational marijuana, immigration, and infrastructure needs.
Stay Connected!
My office in Marion is located at 600 Halfway Road, Suite 103. My office phone number is 618-440-5090. You can reach my office any time Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You may also visit my website at www.RepSeverin.com