Metro East Sun

The Illinois House of Representatives recently voted on procedural rules that will guide the legislative process for the next two years. These rules were crafted by the Democrat supermajority without input from the Republican minority, who proposed changes aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency. The proposal was rejected.

The new rules grant significant authority to the Speaker of the House, a continuation of past practices. The Speaker is empowered to determine the number of committees and their composition. This has implications for committee chairpersons, who receive additional pay and often owe allegiance to the Speaker due to their appointments.

State Representative Kevin Schmidt, alongside his Republican colleagues, opposed these rules. “These rules adopted by House Democrats today ensure that the failed status quo will remain in place," said Rep. Schmidt. He expressed concern that over four million Illinoisans represented by House Republicans would be disadvantaged as a result of these decisions. Schmidt criticized the lack of opportunity for all bills to be assigned to a committee and receive fair hearings under the new rules.

Despite opposition, members of the Democrat supermajority voted unanimously in favor of implementing these rules, which some argue centralize power with Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Welch succeeded former Speaker Michael Madigan and had promised a "New Day" in Illinois during his inaugural address. Critics claim Welch's actions reflect continuity rather than change, echoing Madigan's approach.