Sen. Bivins Asked to Serve on Special Committee on State Government Reform

From the Office of State Senator Tim Bivins

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) has been asked to serve on a special bipartisan committee on state government reform.

Created by Senate Joint Resolution 1, the Joint Committee on Government Reform will work with the Governor and others to restore integrity to State government. The resolution was been adopted by unanimous votes of the Senate and the House of Representatives earlier this month.

“It is a real honor to be chosen for this Committee. The number of Illinois Governors and state officials who have been convicted of wrong-doing in recent years clearly shows that change is long overdue,” Bivins said. “We have a difficult task ahead, but I look forward to addressing the issues straight on and working with my fellow lawmakers to make the kinds of changes that will restore Illinoisans’ faith in their state government.”

Committee co-chairmen Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago and House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago have announced that the Joint Committee on Government Reform will meet at the Capitol Feb. 18 and 24, and March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Bivins is one of three Republican senators who were asked to serve. The others are Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont and State Sen. Dan Cronin of Elmhurst. Democrat Senators on the committee are Cullerton and State Senators James Clayborne of Belleville, Maggie Crotty of Oak Forest, Susan Garrett of Lake Forest and William Delgado of Chicago. House Democrat members are Madigan and State Representatives Edward Acevedo of Chicago, Barbara Flynn Currie of Chicago, Gary Hannig of Litchfield and Arthur Turner of Chicago. No House Republican members have been announced.

Bivins Named to Senate Committees, Reappointed to Spokesperson Position

From the Office of State Senator Tim Bivins

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) has been named to five Illinois Senate committees by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) for the 96th General Assembly.

The 45th District Senator has been asked to continue his responsibilities as Republican Spokesperson for the State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, which reviews legislation dealing with state agencies and their operations, as well as issues that affect citizens who served in the military. He will also serve as a member of the Agriculture and Conservation, Appropriations I, Commerce, and Criminal Law committees.

“Senate committees guide and shape the Illinois laws and the public policy that affect our day-to-day lives,” Bivins said. “My leadership role and my membership on these committees will allow me to represent the concerns of northwestern Illinois residents when developing these issues at the committee level, during debate and when we cast our votes on the Senate floor.”

The Agriculture and Conservation Committee considers legislation that impacts farming, agriculture-related businesses, and conservation issues. The Appropriations I Committee reviews legislation concerning the state’s budget. The Commerce Committee oversees legislation impacting the state’s economy, jobs and trade. The Criminal Law Committee deals with crime prevention legislation.

The Senate’s 28 standing committees analyze legislation dealing with specific subject areas, such as education, agriculture and transportation. Committees screen legislation introduced by all members and usually, only those bills approved by a committee may be considered by the entire Senate.