Nonpartisan Group Ranks Illinois Legislators by Bill Passage Success
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new analysis by The Lawmakers, a nonpartisan think tank, has identified Illinois’ most effective state legislators based on their success in getting bills passed into law. The rankings, released this week, highlight lawmakers who demonstrate an ability to build coalitions and navigate the legislative process, regardless of party affiliation.
The study, co-authored by University of Virginia public policy professor Craig Volden, found that effectiveness isn’t solely tied to majority party status. “ItS not enough to just say, ‘Hey, I have this great bill,’ but then don’t do anything with it,” Volden said.”How do they build a coalition? Are they active in committee? Are they active on the floor? Some of those coalitions are bipartisan.”
Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) exemplifies this bipartisan approach. She stated that collaboration is essential, noting, “It’s impossible for her not to work with Democratic colleagues.” Rezin even described proactively seeking Democratic support for her legislation, saying she’ll “give a bill to a Democratic senator to increase its chances of getting passed.” Rezin emphasized a focus on constituent service over party lines: “When I’m in my district, there’s no ‘R’ or ‘D.'”
The rankings revealed that some Democratic legislators in the majority faced challenges, with many having only a handful – or even zero – bills advance past the initial committee stage.
Topping the list for House Democrats was Representative Marcus Welch. Following him were Rep. Jay Hoffman, Rep. Katie Stuart, Rep. Anna Moeller, and Rep. Kelly Cassidy. On the House GOP side, the top five most effective legislators were identified as House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Rep. Norine Hammond, Rep. Charles Meier, Rep. Daniel Swanson, and Rep. Amy Elik.
In the Senate, President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) led the Democratic rankings, followed by Sen. Laura Fine, Sen. Julie Morrison,Sen. Ram Villivalam, and Sen. David Koehler. The top five Senate Republicans were Senate Minority Leader John curran, Sen. Jil Tracy, Sen. Chapin Rose, Sen. Sue Rezin,and Sen. Thomas Bennett.
Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), a progressive legislator, underscored the importance of coalition-building. She cited a recent measure removing barriers to legal name changes for transgender individuals as an example, describing “endless meetings” with colleagues and activists to secure its passage. “These are going to be really sensitive issues, and the most important thing we can do is to humanize them,” Cassidy said.
Reyna Ortiz, a Chicago-based transgender rights activist, highlighted the significant effort required to move Cassidy’s bill forward, recalling a period of frustration with the legislative process. Ultimately, Ortiz and Cassidy were triumphant, forging a strong working relationship. “We built a lovely relationship with Kelly Cassidy, and we’re vrey grateful for the work that she did put into the battle for trans women of color,” Ortiz said.
The full list of rankings can be found at https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives.
