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| Champaign Resiedent Wants to Make IL House and Senate One Body |
A Champaign resident is looking to change the way the state legislature works.
John Bambenek has authored a constitutional amendment that would make the legislature unicameral, combining the House and Senate into one lawmaking body.
Bambenek says the amendment would take the power out of the hands of legislative leaders such as House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont).
"The time has come to give Illinoisans the chance to truly change and reform the infamously corrupt system we have had for far too long," Bambenek said.
The amendment would also set term limits of eight years for lawmakers. It also would require a seven-day public viewing period of legislation before it can be considered for a vote.
As far as politicians' wallets, the amendment would allow lawmakers to vote for pay raises, but they would not see the increase in cash until after the end of their term in office.
The one chamber body would be called the Senate, made up of 59 districts where three senators represent a single district. Bambenek also says the amendment would let voters return to "bullet voting," under which a voter can give all three votes to one candidate or give up to three candidates one vote. He says that virtually assures minority political representation in each district.
In order to move the binding amendment forward, Bambenek must collect 500,000 signatures to have it placed in the ballot. He has until May 2 to file those signatures.
Find out more about the proposed amendment by CLICKING HERE.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 11 01 09 by Newsroom |
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