Macomb, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) has a new leadership position in the Senate.
Sullivan will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee II. Sullivan says, "We will have the ability to really dissect these budgets for the different agencies. I intend to spend a lot of time working with the agencies to ensure they're accountable for their dollars."
He says details are still being worked out, but the committee will probably keep tabs on funding for departments such as I-DOT, agriculture, and higher education. He says another panel - the Senate Appropriations Committee I - will likely deal with social service agencies.
Sullivan says the chairs of the two appropriations committees are now considered part of the Senate leadership team. He says this is a new set-up for the chamber.
Sullivan says his top priority as lawmakers resume work is to deal with the gap in the current state budget. It's still unclear how large the hole might be. Sullivan says his second priority is the budget for next fiscal year. Third on his list is approval of a new capital bill, which would pay for construction and maintenance projects. Sullivans says it would also create jobs.
The New Governor
Sullivan believes Governor Pat Quinn will make some appearances in western Illinois. Sullivan says he spoke with Quinn shortly after last week's swearing in ceremony in Springfield. "I went up and congratulated him," says Sullivan. "And the first words out of his mouth were 'I have some great ideas for western Illinois and I'm going to be spending some time over there.'"
Sullivan says it was a brief conversation. They did not get into details.
Sullivan believes Quinn will prove to be accessible and says Quinn has a reputation for being a good listener. Sullivan also says if past performance is any indication, Quinn will engage in an open dialogue with lawmakers to address the challenges facing the state.
News Director Rich Egger spoke with Sullivan on January 30. You can listen to that conversation by clicking on the audio button.