State Rep. Brauer leaves for IDOT position

Posted on February 23, 2015

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – A House Republican caucus which can more easily choose Gov. Bruce Rauner's agenda over that of union-represented state workers is coming together.

Rich Brauer of Petersburg is the second Springfield-area lawmaker to join the administration in the weeks after being sworn in. He's Rauner's appointee to be assistant secretary of transportation. Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville is now director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The political calculation of choosing constituents versus the governor “really doesn't” enter into the decision to leave the House, says Brauer. “We've always had to take those votes, and that will continue,” he adds. “What's important is (the issue) gets out, gets debated, and then we look for solutions. It's back and forth, and we come to a compromise and move the thing forward. I think that's what's going to happen with pensions.”

The district includes part or all of Sangamon, Menard, Logan, and Tazewell Counties.

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