Rock Island Today

Illinois House Republican Leader Tony M. McCombie announced on Jan. 31 the heads of the Illinois Republican Budget Team, saying the GOP is "here to give solutions" to the state's budgetary concerns.

McCombie (R-89) announced that House Deputy Leader Norine Hammond (R-94) had been named chief budgeteer, and Amy Elk (R-111) would serve as deputy budgeteer. In her announcement, McCombie said she sought cooperation and mutual respect across the aisle as the budget team plans "budget-making reforms" that will benefit the state.

"The budget is the most important single piece of legislation we do each year," she said. "It outlines our shared priorities and is a statement of our values. We're here to ask that our priority as a state be one of bipartisan effort, transparency, mutual respect and fiscal responsibility."

Hammond is a former member of the Higher Education Committee. She's also advocated for reform and cost-cutting measures throughout her time as a representative, according to the House website.

"Her in-depth experience and appropriation and policy makes her the best person for this important role," McCombie said of Hammond. "I have no doubt her understanding of the processes of state government will ensure that the budget benefits all Illinoisans. She will work diligently and with the dedication required to ensure the needs and concerns of so many that will be considered during this budget process. Deputy Leader Hammond knows better than anyone that throwing more money into the state coffers does not curb spending or make structural reforms."

Elik will be elevated to deputy budgeteer, McCombie said, adding that Elk spent the past 28 years working as a certified public accountant and auditor for both businesses and governmental bodies.

"She is a valuable voice for sensible fiscal management and good government budgeting practices within our caucus. I've also named Representative Elik to replace me to serve on the Audit Commission," McCombie added. "Rep. Elik will provide critical support to the oversight of our agencies, the budget process and to Deputy Leader Hammond in improving the most important piece of legislation to come before us in the State House."

In her remarks, McCombie said the state has to deliver on its plans for the state.

"Illinois cannot afford any more broken promises," she said. "By nearly every measure, we have the highest taxes in the Midwest and some of the highest taxes in the country. Time and time again Illinois Democrats have committed to crafting meaningful reforms only to mislead small business owners and taxpayers."

She also rejected the notion that the GOP sought to stall government.

"Many people say Republicans want to vote no. We stand before you to tell you that preconceived notion is false," she said. "Illinois House Republicans are here to govern. We are here to give solutions. We want to help and are willing to share our ideas that address the budget shortcomings and provide tax reform policies that Illinois taxpayers and job creators need to stay in Illinois and need to grow in Illinois. Republicans represent parts of all 102 counties. The budget process should not be so difficult, and it should be bipartisan. The budget bills do not need to come forward in the final hours of the session with little or no Republican input and certainly, the budget should not be used as a political football year after year."

McCombie pointed out that she and House Speaker Chris Welch promised many things in their speeches. "Might I suggest this year we back his words of 'yes we can' and 'with my words yes we will.' These proposals present a real common sense approach to responsible budgeting for the state of Illinois. I call on Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois House Democrats to adopt these reforms and join us in forging a new path forward for the Illinois House of Representatives."

McCombie, a resident of Savanna, was elected to represent the 71st District in 2016. She previously served as mayor of Savanna and as a member of the Savanna City Council, according to the House website.