New suburban lawmakers see change in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Though they are only freshmen in the state Capitol, first-year suburban lawmakers say they already are making an impact in Springfield.

Despite worries that they'd be overwhelmed by powerful party leaders and seniority rule, many new legislators say there is a more open, cooperative approach happening in the Senate and House. But the state must still address many contentious issues, such as setting a budget and reforming workers' compensation.

Still, the suburban freshmen remain optimistic that bipartisan compromises will lead to solutions by the spring session's scheduled closing on May 31.

Here's a look at how West and Northwest suburban freshmen lawmakers think things in Springfield have gone so far.

Rep. Tom Morrison, Palatine Republican

Morrison, who has used his background as a businessman and former teacher during his stints on the House's education and insurance committees, said he's been surprised how much freedom he's had to work on various issues.

“I have been able to add the perspective of a small-businessman on a number of insurance bills,” he said. “From what I've heard about life in Springfield in the past, I really feel they have given this freshman class much more latitude.”

Morrison taught fifth grade for six years at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights and is owner of the Elk Grove Village-based restoration company, Servpro Industries, Inc.

Rep. Michelle Mussman, Schaumburg Democrat

Mussman has made her biggest splash by sponsoring legislation that could cut lawmakers' pay by 10 percent. Doing so fulfilled a campaign promise, she said of the plan that passed the House in early April and is now before the Senate.

Mussman said it is sometimes difficult to keep up as she continues to learn how the General Assembly operates. If her first-year colleagues can continue working together over the years, she said real change to Illinois politics is possible.

“We have a very large freshman class this year and I get the impression it has kind of changed some things in the legislature this year,” she said. “It's a really exciting time to be involved.”

Rep. Chris Nybo, Elmhurst Republican

If there is only one lesson Nybo has learned so far, it is the importance of a strong support staff.

He said he was, and still is, surprised how staff members are able to analyze information, remember amendments to legislation, find loopholes in proposals and communicate with interest groups without missing a beat.

Nybo said his biggest accomplishment so far — getting approval for legislation that would increase access to lifesaving medication at schools for students with allergies — would have been impossible without his staff.

“They are the true heroes in the process,” he said. “They are the most underappreciated resources in this process. Having good staff facilitates good lawmaking.”

While Nybo said he has enjoyed his time in Springfield, he wishes he could communicate with his constituents more often. He said he plans on dedicating most of the summer to holding meetings and running events for Elmhurst citizens.

Rep. David Harris, Arlington Heights Republican

To call Harris a “freshman” lawmaker would not be entirely accurate. He served a stint in the House from 1983-1993.

The veteran lawmaker said he's has fit right back in and that it's refreshing to see Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and House Republican Leader Tom Cross work so closely together on budget plans — a major change from his first tenure.

He gives a lot of credit to the freshman lawmakers who came in with a new attitude and fresh approach.

“We have a lot of bright people on both sides of the aisle who have come in this year,” Harris said. “I think the class overall is going to really leave a mark and have a lot of positive input in the process.”

Sen. Ron Sandack, Downers Grove Republican

Sandack said he tried to hit the ground running, working closely with Senate veteran Chris Lauzen and former gubernatorial hopeful Sen. Kirk Dillard. He accompanied his colleagues in major news conferences such as the GOP's unveiling of its budget ideas, but has not been afraid of going against the majority of his party, as he did by voting to repeal the death penalty.

Sandack continues to serve as Downers Grove mayor until May. He said his political background helped him come in to the Senate with confidence. But it also made things difficult because he is used to running the process instead of being one person out of 59.

“It's been a little disappointing to get inside the process and see how it works or doesn't work,” he said. “There are parts of the job that are difficult, being away from my family and coping with that new reality.”

Sen. Suzi Schmidt, Lake Villa Republican

Schmidt said she had heard horror stories about politics in Springfield. So she was pleasantly surprised when she found a deep level of respect and camaraderie among Republicans and Democrats at the Capitol. The Lake Villa Republican said there are many misconceptions about the legislative process in Springfield, and there is much more common ground than people believe.

“I'm really enjoying both sides of the aisle, and there is more that we agree on than we disagree on,” she said. “Now the tough ones are coming and we'll see how we do and how we work with each other for the best of the state ... time will tell.”

Schmidt said one disappointment has been the amount of what she considers frivolous legislation.

Sen. Tom Johnson, West Chicago Republican

Johnson was tapped to finish the term of former senator and current Congressman Randy Hultgren. Like Harris, Johnson is no stranger to Springfield. He served in the House from 1993-2003.

As a former investigator for the DuPage County States Attorney's Office and a member of the Illinois Prison Review Board, Johnson has dedicated most of his time back in the legislature to correctional services reform.