East Central Reporter

On the first day of the 104th General Assembly, State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) expressed opposition to the rules set by the Illinois House of Representatives for the next two years. The Democratic supermajority maintains control over legislative processes, prompting Niemerg and his Republican colleagues to advocate for increased transparency and fairness.

“Here we go again! Same old game with the same old stranglehold on the process to silence the voices of millions of hardworking Illinoisans that I and my Republican colleagues represent in the General Assembly,” stated Niemerg. “It’s like Mike Madigan never gave up the Speakership and is not on trial for corruption. The status quo is still alive and well in the Illinois General Assembly.”

At each new session's start, a resolution is debated to establish operational rules for the chamber. Niemerg argues that these "House Rules" fail to promote representative democracy by not ensuring all bills receive fair hearings.

“Current House Rules provide for only one hour of advance notice prior to the House taking a vote on appropriations bills. That timeframe is ridiculous,” added Niemerg. “It allows for more abuses of the legislative process that lead to things like the budget passing in the dead of night without public knowledge or input. I believe we need time to properly evaluate the impact of spending proposals and at least there should be a 24-hour waiting period. The Democrats don’t let us see bills or give us time to analyze them, let alone the public. Rules should encourage collaboration and be transparent about what goes on in committees by releasing audio within 24 hours.”

The Republicans proposed eleven measures aimed at introducing fairness:

- HR 16 seeks to eliminate loopholes allowing resolutions to bypass publication requirements.

- HR 17 requires committee hearings and votes on bills with at least five co-sponsors from each party.

- HR 18 mandates public disclosure for Senate bill sponsorship pre-filing.

- HR 19 proposes a minimum review period before final actions on appropriation bills.

- HR 20 advocates using conference committees for consistent bill numbers.

- HR 21 limits consent calendar items from 80 to 25.

- HR 22 restores supermajority requirements for closing floor debates.

- HR 23 provides member access during Clerk’s Office business hours.

- HR 24 demands committee audio recordings be available online within a day.

- HR 25 calls for record votes when closing floor debates if unanimous consent is denied.

- HR 26 allows members to designate priority bills guaranteed committee hearings.

Constituents are encouraged to sign up for updates regarding legislative activities through RepNiemeg.com or contact Rep. Niemerg at his office.