Coffey’s Statement on House Rules for 104th General Assembly
Springfield, IL…Yesterday, The Illinois House of Representatives adopted new House Rules for the 104th General Assembly. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) voted no to HR 15 because the Rules do not reflect transparency or fair process for legislation that Representatives introduce. Rep. Coffey says the way the majority party operates now, they can disregard the Rules to pass controversial legislation.
“We had a unique opportunity prior to voting to start off this new General Assembly focused on improving government and transparency. Unfortunately, the people of Illinois will be the ones to suffer from the failure of House Democrats to accomplish those goals,” said Rep. Coffey. “The people of Illinois deserve to see what bills are moving through the process and weigh in using witness slips and committee testimony. The Rules adopted by House Democrats this week fail to allow for needed transparency that the people of Illinois deserve.”
“ One of my suggestions to the Rules was to adopt HR 23, which allows member access to the House Chamber during Clerk’s Office business hours. I have the honor of representing the Capitol Building and often have groups from the 95th District travel to Springfield to tour the Capitol and House Chambers year-round. It shouldn’t be controversial to let the people of Illinois visit the House floor when we’re not in Session. I think it would benefit guests to learn as much as possible about our State Capitol during their visit.”
House Republicans proposed several fair changes to the Rules, but Democrats refused to consider any of them. The General Assembly had the opportunity to start 2025 on a positive step forward, but unfortunately more than 4 million Illinoisans will have to settle for the failed status quo. Despite the outcome, Rep. Coffey said he will continue to advocate for long-term solutions that lower taxes and strengthen the economy in Illinois.
For more information contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org.
Representative Mike Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th House District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties.
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