Willis: New Leadership in House Paving Way for Post COVID Recovery, Budget Operational within Means

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, issued the following statement upon the General Assembly’s adjournment this week:

“This spring legislative session has been entirely unprecedented. Early this year, my colleagues in the House joined ranks to bring an end to the decades-long leadership of the former Speaker by uniting to elect Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch as Speaker of the House for the 102^nd General Assembly. The time for new leadership and a new perspective is paving the way for an honest and open exchange of ideas in Springfield.

“Members of the General Assembly on both sides of the aisle have risen to the occasion and acted in good faith to adapt to remote committee hearings, which is unlike anything we have been accustomed to in the past. We have agreed on many issues facing Illinoisans far and wide by passing countless proposals which are creating jobs, putting Illinoisans back to work, and getting our economy back on track. We have also agreed to disagree at times, but we all share a fundamental willingness and desire to move Illinois forward for those who call it home.

“Our state’s budget lives within its means and is reflective of the challenging moment we are in. Honest and bipartisan negotiations have been held to identify budgetary efficiencies and cost savings, while ensuring essential services are maintained to care for the vulnerable, fund our schools, and reduce the tax burden on working Illinoisans trying their level best to rebound from the pandemic.

“I look forward to working in good faith with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle as we continue to enact meaningful and lasting reforms which are in the collective interest of Illinoisans across the state.”