East Central Reporter

Partisan working groups have become a common method of policymaking for House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch since he became the presiding officer of the Illinois House of Representatives in 2021. These groups are seen as a way to exclude Republicans and the public from the process, raising questions about the Speaker’s intentions.

In contrast, Senate President Don Harmon has chosen to conduct public hearings within the committee framework outlined in the Illinois Constitution. This approach includes bipartisan public committee hearings on issues such as teacher shortages, public safety, immigration, and public transit.

House Rule 13 allows Speaker Welch to create bipartisan committees when needed. However, he has instead established Democrat-only working groups on various topics:

- Firearm Safety and Reforms Working Group

- New Arrivals Working Group

- Mental Health Working Group

- Public Safety Working Group

- Public Transit Working Group

- Reproductive Health and Dobbs Decision Working Group

- Social Media and Online Extremism Working Group

- Teacher Shortage Working Group

Critics argue that these one-party, closed-door working groups aim to stifle debate, prevent vetting of controversial legislation, and keep the public uninformed.

Illinoisans are calling for a legislative body that is deliberative, inclusive, transparent, and adheres to its Constitutional duties. They seek a process that includes public hearings at accessible times and robust bipartisan debate.

Senate President Harmon emphasizes bringing together both Democrats and Republicans. His bipartisan Senate Transportation Committee holds public hearings across the state to gather necessary information for informed voting.

Speaker Welch recently announced his "Transportation Working Group," stating that members will engage with stakeholders, review proposals, and create new solutions for public transit. However, this group excludes Republican input and appears to limit public involvement.

House Republicans see their role as holding the majority accountable by highlighting improprieties and ensuring over four million Illinoisans are included in legislative processes affecting their lives. They urge Speaker Welch to allow full debate on important issues within committees.

The minority caucus questions why Speaker Welch avoids comprehensive hearings with testimony from all sides. They call for adherence to his initial promise of bipartisan cooperation when he was elected to lead the House.

Rep. Miller Calls for Transparency from Democrats

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