The start of a new year is always filled with promise. It is a moment when we naturally pause to reflect on where we have been, recalibrate our priorities, and set a course for where we want to go next. While many of us do this in our personal lives, the arrival of 2026 offers the State of Illinois the same opportunity. Legislators have a chance to reset, refocus, and improve how we represent and serve the people who sent us to Springfield.
I have long believed that Illinois should be a place where people want to live rather than leave. Too often, the conversation about our state centers on what is not working. A new year gives us the chance to change that narrative and focus instead on what is possible when we work together with purpose, optimism, and mutual respect.
January 1 is more than just a date on the calendar; it represents a clean slate. There are 177 members of the Illinois General Assembly, representing every corner of our diverse state, who have both the ability and the responsibility to come together and make 2026 a true turning point. The question before us is not whether Illinois has potential, for we all know the Land of Lincoln has an abundance of it. The real question is whether we are willing to govern in a way that unlocks that potential and allows Illinois to be the beacon it can and should be.
That effort must begin with a renewed commitment to bipartisanship. In conversations with constituents, one message comes through loud and clear: people care far less about the “R” or “D” next to a legislator’s name than they do about whether their government is functioning and working for them. Illinoisans want practical solutions, not partisan victories. They want lawmakers who are willing to reach across the aisle, listen thoughtfully, and work collaboratively to address the challenges facing our state.
True bipartisanship is not symbolic It is substantive. It means crafting legislation together, with Republicans and Democrats serving as partners rather than adversaries. It means acknowledging that no party has a monopoly on good ideas. And it means remembering that progress is usually achieved not through ideological purity, but through compromise grounded in shared values and common goals.
This spirit of cooperation must also extend to how we speak to and about one another. While partisan attacks may generate short-term attention, they erode trust and distract from the real work at hand. Illinois residents are tired of division for division’s sake. They want leadership that is respectful, focused, and results-oriented.
A legislature that truly serves all Illinoisans should strive for a clear set of core principles that guide both its conduct and its decision-making.
First, integrity and accountability must be the foundation of everything we do. Public trust is essential to effective governance. Legislators must act ethically, be transparent in their actions, and take responsibility for their decisions. That includes careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, open communication with constituents, and a willingness to explain votes.
Second, collaboration should be the norm, not the exception. The most durable laws are those built through respectful debate and thoughtful compromise. When lawmakers listen to differing perspectives and seek common ground, the resulting policies are stronger, more balanced, and more reflective of the state as a whole.
Third, fiscal responsibility is critical to Illinois’ long-term success. Every decision we make affects families, employers, and future generations. A disciplined approach to budgeting, a focus on long-term planning, and policies that encourage economic growth without placing undue burdens on taxpayers are essential. Responsible financial management allows us to invest in priorities like education, infrastructure, and public safety while maintaining stability and confidence in our state’s future.
Finally, responsiveness and inclusivity must guide our work. Good government listens. It recognizes that Illinois is not one-size-fits-all and that policies must work for urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. It means considering how legislation impacts working families, seniors, veterans, small business owners, and those who rely on critical state services. When people feel heard and represented, government works better.
Taken together, these principles offer a roadmap for a more effective and trusted legislature. Illinois has everything it needs to succeed, including talent, innovation, and resilient communities. If we approach 2026 with integrity, collaboration, fiscal discipline, and a genuine commitment to listening, we can build a state that not only meets the challenges of today, but confidently embraces the opportunities ahead.
A new year is a reminder that progress is always possible. Illinois’ best days can still be ahead of us, but only if we choose to work together to make them so.
