Nelson receive committee approval to become the next Department of Ag Director

A La Salle County farmer you might know is a step closer to becoming the head of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Phil Nelson of Seneca is Governor Bruce Rauner’s choice to be the new ag director.

Nelson went before the Senate Executive Appointments Committee in Chicago Tuesday along with State Senator Sue Rezin who testified on his behalf. The committee unanimously approved Nelson’s nomination. He still needs the full Senate’s approval.

Nelson served as the Illinois Farm Bureau President from 2003 to 2013.

Rezin and Mautino react to Rauner’s State of the State address

Governor Bruce Rauner outlined his vision for Illinois during a State of the State speech, but it’s his budget speech that State Representative Frank Mautino wants to hear.  Rauner is the first Republican Illinois governor in more than a decade.  He gave the speech Wednesday afternoon.

Mautino, a Democrat, says he doesn’t see Rauner’s right-to-work legislation going anywhere but he agrees with some of the governor’s ideas on reforming unemployment insurance and increasing funding for education.

State Senator Sue Rezin, a Republican, says that Governor Bruce Rauner has done a good job at reaching across the aisle to Democrats.  She says his speech was bold and laid out a good plan to revitalize Illinois.  She agreed with Rauner, that high property taxes are a concern for people statewide and believes that state lawmakers could provide relief by giving more money to school.

Rauner gives his budget speech February 18.

Hear more about what Rezin and Mautino had to say by listening to interviews that are available at the Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO news page.

Minimum wage increase and school funding possible topics during veto session

Voters in Illinois would like to see a minimum wage increase but do state lawmakers? Legislation to raise the minimum wage could come up for action this week in Springfield.

The second half of the fall veto session begins Tuesday. Republican State Senator Sue Rezin says if legislative leaders call for the minimum wage bill, it’s because they have the votes to pass it.

Rezin doesn’t support the legislation but agrees with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner’s plan which calls for benefits for businesses.

Rezin says increasing the minimum wage is a huge burden to small businesses. She also anticipates discussion on Senate Bill 16, public school funding reform.

The fall veto session is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Rauner will be sworn in as governor January 12.