Question of the day
Tuesday, Apr 27, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Let’s go back to Amanda Vinicky’s interview with House Speaker Chris Welch…
During his inauguration speech, Welch made other promises. He said that politics has gotten too divisive, and that he’ll usher in a “new day” by working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, last week called that pledge “B.S.”
Even as the House debated a flurry of bills, Butler said Welch jammed a bill he’s sponsoring (House Bill 2994) that would pave the way for voters to choose whether two central Illinois townships could merge, despite Butler’s plan having bipartisan support. […]
Bills sponsored by Democrats have passed the House at a 4-1 ratio compared with those sponsored by Republicans.
Welch said it’s rhetoric to insinuate that he’s not working across the aisle, saying that the lopsided bill passage makes sense given that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the House by 73-45.
“We’re a supermajority. Those number are never going to be even,” Welch said.
More Welch from the video…
And so that’s why it’s just rhetoric to insinuate that we’re not working across the aisle. I’ve had Republicans in my office, and for the first time they’re saying ‘We’ve never seen the inside of this office.’ Their bills are passed because they’re working with the Speaker of the House. […]
And so, we can’t use one person’s rhetoric to cast aspersions on the entire process. The process is I’m being very intentional about reaching across the aisle and working with them. But as I said in that clip, there’s going to be some things that we agree on, there’s gonna be some things we disagree on as well. And we have to just be consistent and persistent and we’re going to continue to do that.
* The Question: When it comes to partisanship, have things changed in the House or not? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
survey services
- Central Illinois Centrist - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:01 pm:
Not saying I have a huge issue with the bill counts- win elections. But certainly would not call it a new day.
Rep Butler has a point that his bill was looked over, and many like it.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:05 pm:
Would have voted Somewhat if that was choice.
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:08 pm:
Is the House as partisan as it was under Madigan?
Who could vote yes?
– MrJM
- Precinct Captain - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:12 pm:
==Rep Butler has a point that his bill was looked over, and many like it.==
And?
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:13 pm:
“Would have voted Somewhat if that was choice.”
Yup.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:15 pm:
===Would have voted Somewhat if that was choice===
I didn’t ask for degrees. It’s either changed or it hasn’t.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:15 pm:
BTW, I voted yes in lieu of my preferred option of somewhat.
- Bruce( no not him) - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:15 pm:
it hasn’t changed. it won’t change till the the Republicans get their own majority. Then, it will just reverse to who has the power.
- The Opinions Bureau - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:15 pm:
I voted “No” but with the caveat that I don’t really think things are all that bad for House Republicans. Talk to members of superminority legislative caucuses elsewhere in the country to learn what raw partisanship looks like.
- Etown - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:16 pm:
I voted changed but only slightly. Dems continue to kowtow to anything that labor wants and really only care about bills sponsored by other Dems. All rhetoric from current Speaker about fair maps in the past doesnt matter anymore know that he’s speaker
- Incandenza - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:20 pm:
For a super minority, house GOP don’t have it so bad. Compare it to the bare minority (that actually got a majority of votes) in WI. There you’ll find a total lack of bipartisanship
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:23 pm:
Voted “not changed”
In the end… Winners make policy.
The variance of that is dependent on bill, sponsor, or both.
Win elections, then we all will see changes.
Kowtowing to a super-minority beaten time and again at the polls is foolish to why you win… you deliver for your constituencies
- don the legend - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:36 pm:
Voted yes. Republicans are even more whiny and childish.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 3:41 pm:
Nothing has really changed in the end, nor should it. The majority in Illinois support the Democratic Party, and by a wide margin. The legislation should reflect that.
The fact that the GQP is throwing a party-wide hissy fit across the nation simply demonstrates their values and a lack of understanding or support for the Republic.
They want what they want, and they are willing to resort to anti-democracy tactics to get there.
I see no need for the partisanship to wane in Illinois.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 4:26 pm:
It’s changed. We have term limits on leadership now and that’s no small feat. But nothing that Speaker Welch might say will suddenly make the super minority parties ideas and policies (or lack thereof) popular. They are after all the super minority party for a reason.
- Annonin' - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 4:26 pm:
We voted “changed”
TantrumTim should not be highlighted it will only encourage him to do more.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 4:30 pm:
- Joe Schmoe -
Who do you think is the real Speaker, John Kass?
- PublicServan - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 8:15 pm:
Voted “Changed” since Republicans have become even more unhingedly partisan.
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Apr 27, 21 @ 8:16 pm:
“t”