SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Republicans are frustrated that Democratic leaders did not agree to any of their suggested changes to House rules for the 104th General Assembly. GOP members hoped to provide more transparency for taxpayers.
Both chambers are required to approve rules for daily operations during each two-year General Assembly. Many GOP members hoped Democrats would be willing to change the rules to allow for more transparency and public participation in state government.
"I think timely information dissemination is extremely important to our constituents and any other interested parties across this great state that might have an interest in these things," said Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). "This allows them time to react and respond to any of the developments of these meetings."
Although, House Democrats approved rules that do not allow the House clerk to publish audio recordings of committee hearings or task force meetings. The majority party kept the rules similar to previous general assemblies, but there are some slight changes.
"We are creating a new Appropriations Pensions Committee to facilitate ongoing discussion on the retirement security of our public employees," said House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). "And we are creating a mechanism to allow House members to remove or change the House sponsorship of a bill in the Senate."
GOP leaders also argued for rules allowing more Republican bills to be called for committee votes. Some urged Democrats to change procedures for floor votes as well.
"I think one person's delay tactics is another person's transparency and accountability," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "When you have a body that can override the rules with a simple majority vote, that does create problems."
The Illinois Senate approved their rules for the 104th General Assembly without debate Thursday.
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