State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) has hope for Illinois' elected officials as they begin to operate a divided government. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)
By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – There's a feeling in Springfield that Republicans and Democrats want to work together.
That's according to State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington).
"Quite frankly, I think that's long been needed," said Barickman. "I think that bringing a little bit of balance into our state government between the political parties is, I think, useful."
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is working with a Democratically controlled General Assembly. Barickman told WJBC's Tim Lewis he hoped the feeling of bipartisanship continues.
"Hopefully we can find some reasonable middle ground that allows us to begin solving some of these problems, these financial problems, which have really burdened our state for many years at this point," he said.
Barickman pledged to do what he can to show he's willing to cooperate, but added it's really going to come down to what House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton decide to do.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
