The Illinois House passed rules and procedure for the next two years on a party-line vote Wednesday. (WJBC file photo)
By Joe Ragusa
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House has passed new rules for the next two years, but Republicans wanted more.
Republicans say the new rules give Democrats an edge when it comes to passing legislation, but Democrats say the method is fair.
Republican Ed Sullivan from Mundelein says he wants to see information about pending legislation posted online well before its voted on to give lawmakers enough time to think before voting.
"We would like to see a posting the night before of any amendment to have a hearing so there's more transparency to the public," Sullivan said. "I think we all would agree that would be a good thing. And in regard to the budget, we would like to see a three-day waiting period to have time to view the budget so the public has more input."
Current rules only require a bill to be posted an hour prior to a vote. Republicans also wanted limits on what lame-duck lawmakers can vote on, but they were unsuccessful, since Democrats have a veto-proof majority in the House. The rules and procedures passed on a party-line vote.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
