From Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno -
SPRINGFIELD - Praised for her common-sense approach to addressing state issues, willing bipartisanship and her ongoing advocacy for fiscal responsibility, State Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) was elected to her third term as Senate Republican Leader during the 98th General Assembly’s inaugural ceremonies at the State Capitol on January 9.
“It’s a tremendous honor to once again be elected by my peers to this position, each of whom is a leader in his or her own right,” said Radogno. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the people of the 41st Senate District. I consider it a privilege to serve them, and I thank them for the opportunity they have given me to serve as Leader.”
Radogno, who has served in the Illinois Senate since 1997, said she looks forward to continuing to work with her legislative colleagues on tackling some of the biggest issues facing lawmakers. She noted it will take a collective effort to address the daunting challenges facing Illinois—including balancing the state budget, reducing state debt, and reforming the state’s public employee pension systems.
“We can’t allow the status quo to carry on—it’s time to restore the citizens’ faith in Illinois government. The Senate Republican Caucus is ready to get down to business and work in a bipartisan fashion to attract employers, pay our bills on time, and live within our means,” Radogno said.
Though acknowledging ideological differences between the two parties, Radogno said she is optimistic that the bipartisanship and respect that has been shown in the Illinois Senate during the last four years will continue into her third term as Senate Republican leader.
“When we are able to put petty partisan bickering aside and work together, lawmakers have shown their ability to achieve major accomplishments,” Radogno said. “It pays dividends if we work with each other. Moving forward, I hope that we continue to embrace that same attitude of civil, respectful debate and thoughtful discussion. We will need a productive exchange of ideas and collaboration if we are going to move Illinois forward.”
She noted that by successfully working together, lawmakers have partnered to enact good public policy in recent years, including the 2012 bipartisan Medicaid reform plan to modernize the system and root out fraud. Radogno also applauded joined efforts that led to a capital infrastructure program for roads, bridges and schools; McCormick Place reforms to make the facility more attractive to trade shows; elimination of legislative perks; and a positive first step toward comprehensive workers’ compensation reform.
Additionally, Radogno announced the Senate Republican leadership team for the 98th General Assembly.
“Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) will serve as Deputy Republican Leader. A veteran lawmaker, Sen. Murphy’s insight and experience are invaluable to me, the Senate Republican Caucus, and the legislative body,” Radogno said. “Senators Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) and Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) will serve as Assistant Republican Leaders. They too bring many years of legislative experience, institutional knowledge and perspective. Our Caucus Chair will be Sen. Pam Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), who will bring energy to the position, and Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) will step up as the Senate Republican Whip.”
