Peoria Standard

The Illinois Republican House leader named four individuals to serve on a legislative oversight commission to monitor budgetary actions taken by the governor related to COVID-19.

House Leader Jim Durkin (Burr Ridge) appointed State Reps. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), Tom Demmer (R-Dixon), Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) were appointed to the Legislative Budget Oversight Commission, according to a release from Spain in June.

“Throughout this pandemic, my fellow legislators and I have called for more involvement and oversight from the General Assembly regarding COVID-19 relief efforts,” Hammond said in the press release. “As a co-equal branch of government, the General Assembly plays a critical role in the functions of state government and the budgetary process. I appreciate Leader Durkin appointing me to this Commission and I look forward to carefully monitoring the actions being taken by the Governor’s Office regarding budget management and pandemic relief efforts.”

Illinois House Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) | Illinois General Assembly

Demmer was also honored to be appointed to the committee, saying it will provide oversight to the budget.

"These unprecedented times and challenges will call for extra scrutiny on the spending of taxpayer dollars, both to meet this emergency and to fund the state’s essential services," Demmer said in the press release. "The legislature needs to be involved throughout this process.”

Pritzker was given increased authority for spending in fiscal year 2021, but Republicans were concerned about this.

“With the Governor’s additional spending authority for dealing with the COVID crisis and resulting economic shutdown, it is more important than ever that legislators exercise oversight authority over state spending within the State Budget,” Spain said in his press release. “I will continue working for due diligence to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of taxpayer dollars.”