Sen. Oberweis: Senate enacts term limits for its leadership

(Pictured above: Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove was sworn in as the State Senator for the 25th District during inaugural ceremonies Jan. 11 in the Senate Chambers.)

SPRINGFIELD – Senate lawmakers took immediate bipartisan action on the first day of the 100th General Assembly to enact term limits for legislative Senate leaders, according to State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove).

Cosponsored by Oberweis, Senate Resolution 3 sets a limit of 10 years for legislators serving as Senate President and 10 years for legislators serving as Senate Minority Leader. Senate Resolution 3 was adopted Jan. 11 with a unanimous vote of the Senate.

“What a relief to have Senate Leaders Christine Radogno and John Cullerton set aside partisan rhetoric and act immediately on an issue that Illinois citizens have told us they support,” Oberweis said. “Contrast the Senate action to the House Democrats re-electing Michael J. Madigan to his longtime post as House Speaker, a position he has held for 32 of the last 34 years.”

The 25th District Senator said term-limits for legislative leaders is an important first step and serves as a good example of the kind of compromise that will get Illinois back on track.

“I will continue to work for term limits for ALL legislators. We must take this important first step and build off it,” Oberweis said. “Our Senate leaders have filed a package of legislation that provides a full-year budget with matching revenue and tackles a broad range of issues, including a property tax freeze for homeowners, workers’ compensation reform, and pension reform, among others. The legislation also includes the possibility of a tax increase, which I do not like, but at least we have something on the table to talk about.”