Kankakee Times

Republican Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) has been installed as a ranking member to the powerful Illinois Senate Executive committee.

“It’s an honor to serve in a lead role on the committee that is tasked with reviewing some of the most important legislation that moves through the Senate,” Barickman said in a post to his website. “I look forward to being able to serve as a watchdog for the people of Illinois, by ensuring that important legislation gets a fair and thorough hearing.”

Barickman, who already serves as Senate Republican Caucus Chair, will also be taking on the lead Republican role for the Redistricting Committee. Every 10 years, the Illinois General Assembly takes on the job of using census data to redraw legislative and congressional districts.

Barickman said he is hoping to change the state’s notorious reputation for using the moment to gerrymander districts.  

“Lawmakers shouldn’t be able to draw their own maps and pick their voters,” he added. “It should be the people who are able to decide who their elected officials are. I am absolutely committed to doing whatever I can to make sure that citizens are given the most fair map possible.”