Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) wants more bipartisanship within the 102 General Assembly, particularly to tackle COVID-19, which has cost the state 550,000 jobs. | Adobe Stock
Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) wants more bipartisanship within the 102 General Assembly, particularly to tackle COVID-19, which has cost the state 550,000 jobs. | Adobe Stock
Legislators need to put aside their petty political differences to work together to solve the problems facing residents of Illinois, Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) said.
“It’s time for lawmakers to set aside partisan differences, the divisive ‘us against them’ mindset,” Stewart said in a statement on his website. “And work together to address the many challenges facing our state.”
The Republican lawmaker’s comments came as the 102nd General Assembly started the new legislative session on Jan. 13 and while the state continues to deal with the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.
“The convening of a new General Assembly signals a new start,” Stewart said. “Years of bad policy-making and sketchy budgeting, combined with increasingly partisan debate, have left our state weak. The decisions before us are tough unless we view them as opportunities to set our state on a better course.”
Solving the problems will be daunting. In June, a study from the University of Illinois Government and Public Affairs Department found that the state’s employers shed approximately 550,000 jobs because of COVID-19, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Stewart indicated he would like to see with the convening of the 102nd General Assembly an end to dividing partisan rhetoric.
However, Stewart’s call for bipartisan action within the chambers might prove difficult, especially in the House of Representatives.
For decades Rep. Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) led the House, but that came to an end on Jan. 13, when lawmakers appointed Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) as House speaker.
Not long after, some members within the GOP ranks were critical of Welch’s House selection, calling into question his close contact to Madigan and accusations of harassment, assault, and retaliation against women. The cases were ultimately dismissed, and charges were dropped.
Stewart wants bipartisan pension reform, balancing the state budget and sensible economic growth legislation as priorities to bring jobs and prosperity to the state’s residents.
Alerts Sign-up