Republican leaders react as lame duck session nears end
By Tim Kirsininkas
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Republican leadership offered harsh criticisms for their Democratic counterparts Tuesday as the Illinois General Assembly neared the end of its lame duck session.
In a virtual news conference Tuesday, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, and Senate Republican Leader-designate Dan McConchie, of Hawthorn Woods, accused embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan of pushing legislation through without sufficient input during the shortened session.
Debate of an economic equity bill backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus was cut off after about 45 minutes Monday night, and several major pieces of legislation – including a sweeping criminal justice overhaul – were expected to be heard well into the night Tuesday.
What Illinois Republicans are seeking in a new chairman Illinois Republicans are rebuilding and that means a new party leader with Chairman Tim Schneider, left, stepping down. Schneider and Illinois National Committeeman Richard Porter are shown at the Republican National Convention last summer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Courtesy of Tim Schneider
Updated 1/10/2021 7:43 AM
With the governor s mansion, state Senate and House controlled by Democrats, schisms within the national GOP, and a fundraising gap, it appears Illinois Republicans will face a challenging 2021.
Or maybe not.
I d love to know when the non-challenging times in politics are, State Central Committee member Bob Grogan of Downers Grove said.
By Jim Meadows & Illinois Newsroom
• Jan 8, 2021
Rep. Mary Miller
Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller says she apologizes for any harm caused by her speech at a Washington DC rally, where she voiced agreement with a quotation of Adolf Hitler. But she said some of her critics were intentionally distorting what she had said.
“I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused,” the east central Illinois Republican said in her statement, “and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth.”
Miller came under harsh criticism for saying: “Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth, has the future.’”
Twitter feed of Eric Lipton/NY Times
Leaders of both major parties condemned downstate Congresswoman Mary Miller Wednesday for saying Adolf Hitler was right on one thing at a Washington DC rally.
Miller, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, cited the Nazi dictator at a pro-Trump rally held on the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, two days after being sworn in to represent Illinois’ 15th congressional district.
The first-term Republican from rural Coles County in east central Illinois said a lasting GOP victory could only come by reaching young people.
“If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing, unless we win the hearts and minds of our children,” said Miller, who was one of the featured speakers at the “Save the Republic” rally held by Moms For America. “This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth, has the future’. Our children are being propagandized.”
Pritzker details $700M in state budget cuts by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square | December 16, 2020 10:00 AM Print this article
After Illinois voters rejected his progressive income tax amendment, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he plans to focus on cuts to balance the state s budget.
On Tuesday, Pritzker has announced plans to reduce state spending by $700 million dollars for fiscal year 2021. The plan includes a hiring freeze, grant reductions and operational savings.
The governor says the state is negotiating with AFSCME and other employee unions to identify $75 million dollars in cost savings, which could include furlough days. The Department of Corrections will also identify additional savings due to a lower prison population, which could include closing prisons.