Illinois Senate names GOP committee co-chairs in effort to foster bipartisanship

SPRINGFIELD -- Two Illinois Senate committees will be co-chaired by Republicans in a move that harkens back decades to a time when Republicans and Democrats more often worked together to recognize shared goals and achieve them.

“I appreciate Leader Curran reaching out with this idea. At one point in our not-so-distant history this was a common practice in the Senate. I think we both hope that it will foster bipartisan cooperation on how we can best meet the needs of people all across our great state,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Sen. Dale Fowler, a Republican from Harrisburg, will serve as co-chair on the Senate Higher Education Committee. Sen. Michael Halpin, a Rock Island Democrat is the committee chair, and Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Democrat, is the vice chair.

Sen. Sally Turner, a Republican from Beason, will serve as the co-chair on the Senate State Government Committee. Sen. Patrick Joyce, a Democrat from the Kankakee area, is the chair, and Sen. Willie Preston, a Democrat from Chicago, is the vice chair.

Read more: Illinois Senate names GOP committee co-chairs in effort to foster bipartisanship

Senate President Harmon: Responsible state budgets produce opportunity to invest in our children, future

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s statement on the budget plan unveiled Wednesday by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“We have labored for years to build a solid, stable fiscal foundation for the state of Illinois. Because of those responsible decisions, we find ourselves in the position to be able to invest in our future and do so in a way that can make a real difference.

“I applaud the governor for starting this conversation and for setting priorities that hopefully can bring people together in bipartisan support.

“From enrolling more children in early education programs, to keeping our promise to fund K-12 schools, to getting back to investing in higher education opportunities and devoting resources to address the growing problem of homelessness, there’s a lot to like in this budget.

“Senate Democrats look forward to the opportunity to explore it in greater detail in the weeks and months ahead.”

Harmon elected Senate President, delivers message on public service and integrity

SPRINGFIELD — Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was elected Senate President by his colleagues Wednesday, vowing to keep Illinois moving forward and calling on all in public office to recognize and honor the responsibilities and high standards the public expects.

“Each of us serves roughly a quarter million people back home. A quarter million people. What is best for them? What is best for the millions of working families across our state? What is best for the nearly 13 million people who collectively call Illinois home?” Harmon said. “Be guided by that truth, whether it be politically convenient or not. If your motivations are elsewhere, the Illinois Senate is not for you.”

Read more: Harmon elected Senate President, delivers message on public service and integrity

Senate President Don Harmon inauguration remarks as prepared

Thank you Governor Pritzker for presiding over our opening ceremonies.

One of these years, maybe, just maybe, we’ll have a normal Senate ceremony in our normal Senate chamber.

But probably not anytime soon.

The Senate seems to be pretty good at finding new and different ways to be different.

I am honored and humbled to receive the support of my colleagues to serve in this post.

Thank you.

Read more: Senate President Don Harmon inauguration remarks as prepared