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“It is not surprising in Illinois that we have a process that keeps the decision in the hands of party leaders,” said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Springfield’s Public Affairs Reporting program. (Shutterstock)
Illinois is one of only a handful of states where political leaders pick replacements for state lawmakers should they leave their post. On one hand, it s saving taxpayers money on a special election that many other states conduct. On the other, it s become so common that residents are calling it an abuse of political clout.
Two Illinois state senators were replaced by appointment Saturday. Springfield Ald. Doris Turner replaced Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who took a position with Gov. J.B. Pritzker s administration. On the same day, Michael Simmons, a former political aid to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and others, replaced Illinois Sen. Heather Steans, a northside Chicago Democrat who resigned five days after being re-e
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For Immediate Release – February 5, 2021
Gov. Pritzker Announces Nine Appointments to Illinois Boards and Commissions
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration:
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Christine Benson will continue to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education. For about six years, Benson served as the Superintendent of Streator Elementary School District #44. Previously, she was the Superintendent of the Ottawa Elementary School District #141 and the Mendota TWP High School District #280. Additionally, Benson spent twenty years as a teacher in areas of general, choral and instrumental music. Benson is active in her community where she serves as the Treasurer and past President of the Rotary Club. She received her Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Science in Education Administration and her Certificate of Advance Study in Education Adminis
Welch steps back from partner position at law firm Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, a Hillside Democrat, takes the oath of office to become the state House speaker last month at the Bank of Springfield Center. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
Updated 2/1/2021 4:40 PM
SPRINGFIELD Since assuming his new role a few short weeks ago, House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch has distinguished himself from his predecessor, Rep. Michael Madigan.
For example, the Hillside Democrat has unveiled changes to his leadership team and signaled plans to adjust the House rules governing the processes of bill movement.
Welch s approach to his law firm role is yet another departure from Madigan, who remained a partner at his property tax law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner, during his entire tenure as House speaker.
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