The 103rd Illinois General Assembly was sworn into office this week at the University of Illinois-Springfield.
With redistricting, there is a strange mix of experienced politicians representing new people and new counties. Knox County and the surrounding area saw its legislative districts change as a result of the decennial census.
Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) was sworn to for his fourth term to represent the newly drawn 71st district, which includes the City of Galesburg. Swanson said that about 20 percent of his old district carried over to the new one that he now represents.
“I’m looking for the opportunity to once again to serve and represent my constituents in my district. I’ve been out and about in my new district, the 71st. I’ve got a lot of ideas on some potential legislation that the people would like to see for the district. And, it would be a betterment for Illinois so I hope to get some of my own legislation passed for my constituents for the district.”
Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) is entering his 1st term in the House. The 29-year-old former strategy manager at Caterpillar is the son of Chuck Weaver who served in the State Senate. Weaver campaigned on lower property and income taxes, as well as opposition to the sweeping criminal justice reform law passed by Illinois last year.
“I’m really excited for this day. It’s been a long time coming. I won my primary in June, was uncontested in November, so I’m just ready to go to work. It’s been seven months of looking forward to this.
Weaver of the 94th District, covering eastern and southern Knox County, says he’s got nine bills ready to be filed.
“It’s a mix of [agriculture and education]. And, just common sense stuff that hopefully isn’t too controversial but would just help folks’ lives every day.”
Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) was re-elected to the house, this time in the 94th District. During Wednesday’s first session of the new General Assembly, Hammond rose to nominate Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) for Speaker of the House.
“I was honored to nominate my good friend Tony McCombie for Speaker of the House,” Rep. Hammond said. “Tony and I have much in common, from our border districts along the Mississippi River to our time as seatmates on the floor of the House We share the same hopes and concerns for our great state and for families across Illinois. I’m proud to have been a part of this history-making vote to elect the first female legislative leader of the Illinois House.”
With Emanuel Chris Welch (D-Hillside) elected as Speaker, Rep. McCombie was elected to serve as the House (Republican) Minority Leader. And Hammond was chosen to serve as Deputy Republican Leader of the House.
State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Moline), whose district now includes the City of Galesburg and Knoxville, says he looks forward to serving the 36th district.
“In the Senate, I will continue to honor the legacy of my mentor, Congressman Lane Evans, as he proved time and time again that Western Illinois doesn’t back down from a fight,” said Halpin. “Western Illinois matters, and I look forward to representing us in Springfield and working across party lines to pass legislation that protects the middle class.”
State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) took his oath of office to serve the constituents of the newly formed 47th District.
“I am proud of the work I’ve been able to get done in the 36th District, but there is still more work to be done and Illinoisans deserve more and better,” said Senator Anderson. “As legislators, we must do our due diligence to represent our districts at our full potential and weed out bad policy and fight for the good.”
The new 47th Senate District is quite large, comprised of all or parts of Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Menard, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazwell, and Warren Counties.
