In the News

Pioneer Press, January 15, 2009

State Sen. Susan Garrett pledged to bring a new "suburban perspective" to state leadership after being named Senate Majority Caucus Whip for the 96th General Assembly by State Senate President John Cullerton.

She was also named chairman of a new Senate Committee on the Environment.

"I was really happy to have received this appointment," said Garrett, D-29th, of Lake Forest, Thursday. "For the first time, I'll be at the table with other members of leadership when key decisions and being made, and that is why this appointment is so important to me.

"My perspective has always been as a citizens advocate and when I make decisions I've always taken into account the input I've received from my constituents," she said. "Now, I'll be able to use so much of the feedback I've received from constituents in a position on behalf of my constituents and citizens across the state."

Garrett said traditionally suburban issues have not received as much attention at the state level as those in Chicago or downstate, and she's hopeful with new leadership that will change. Some of the key issues she expects the legislature to tackle in the new session are the budget, a capital bill and job creation.

"I'll bring a suburban perspective to the forefront and hopefully will be influential when important decisions are made," she said.

Garrett also believes the new Senate leadership led by Cullerton brings "an air of new beginning."

"I believe that Sen. Cullerton will have a new style of leadership and because of that I think the Senate will be conducted in a much more open and transparent fashion," she said. "It's my hope there will be less partisanship than in the past."

Garrett has served in the Illinois Senate since 2003 and was a member of the Illinois House from 1998-2002. In addition to being named Senate Majority Caucus Whip, she will chair a new committee on the environment.

She was the chair of the Senate Public Health Committee (95th General Assembly) and the State Government Committee (94th General Assembly). Other past committee assignments have included Appropriations I, Education and Human Services.

Cullerton praised Garrett's past service and believes it will serve her well in her new leadership post in the Senate.

"Sen. Garrett has made ethics, women's rights and good government the cornerstone of her public service," said Cullerton in a written statement. "Those are the qualities that she brings to the Majority leadership of the Illinois Senate."