By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) said Illinois' new governor reducing his salary to a dollar might be a small gesture, but it's a sign of how committed Bruce Rauner is to turning the state around.

"A guy like Bruce Rauner could have lived anywhere," said Brady. "Having gotten to know him over the last several months, or year, I know he does have a deep commitment to this state. He has a vision for this state."

Brady told WJBC's Tim Lewis "if you don't have a vision, you'll parish." He believed that with Rauner Illinois has a vision and said the General Assembly will work with him to make progress.

State of the Union

President Obama will make his State of the Union address Tuesday. How much does the annual speech effect state legislators?  Brady said the State of the Union "sets a tone."

"National ramifications effect state ramifications, which effect local ramifications," said Brady. "So if the president comes out with some tax policy that makes people think again about whether or not to make an investment in a capital improvement or something like that, those could have some devastate effects."

Brady added it'll be interesting to see what the president has to say. Especially considering this will be the first time he makes the address with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].