McLean County Times

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) is the new Republican floor leader for the state Senate, following the reorganization on Jan. 13 to start the 102nd General Assembly.

The Bloomington GOPer was also named the Republican Caucus chairman.

"It's an honor to be able to take an even larger role in the leadership of our caucus," Barickman said in a statement. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle the major issues facing our state and to continue to push for the kind of fiscal and good government reforms that our citizenry is still waiting for."

The Bloomington Republican was selected as the Caucus chair by the new GOP minority leader for the Senate, Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). Before this role, Barickman also served as an assistant Republican leader alongside the past two leaders.

In his role as Republican Caucus chair, Barickman will have a larger influence on the legislative direction of the Caucus. Barickman will also have more substantial parts in debates for issues and legislation presented in the Senate as the floor leader.

Senate GOP Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) commended Barickman on his new leadership positions.

"From education funding to expanding economic opportunities, Jason has spent his legislative career crafting and supporting creative solutions to some of Illinois' toughest problems," McConchie said in a statement on Barickman's website. "[Barickman] is a leader in and out of the Capitol, and I am excited to work with him to bring more creativity, responsibility and effectiveness to our legislative process."

The Senate started its new session on Jan. 13 as part of the 102nd General Assembly.

While Democrats control both chambers, there was a major shakeup within the House leadership when lawmakers elected Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Chicago) as the speaker instead of Rep. Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). Madigan had led the House for approximately 40 years.