Mitchell backs downstate coalition

Rep. Bill Mitchell says a downstate coalition of lawmakers could block some legislation that he says Chicago lawmakers try to impose on the rest of the state. (WJBC file photo)

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, says he backs a bipartisan effort to empower downstate Illinois to fight legislation that he feels is done for Chicago’s benefit and at the expense of everyone south of Interstate 80.

A specific measure that state Reps. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, and Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, both oppose would require Illinois hunters and sportsmen to give up some shotguns.

Rose and Phelps are trying to gather enough votes from downstate lawmakers from both parties to block the legislation.

“Let’s get together and see if we can form a majority coalition,” Mitchell said, noting that the measure would Illinois hunting revenue and jobs. “At least in downstate, regionally, there’s the issue of 2nd Amendment where there’s not much difference between Democrat and Republican.”

Mitchell has previously proposed having Chicago separate from Illinois and become a 51st state. That proposal went nowhere.

Mitchell opposes new cell phone ban proposal

Mitchell says Illinois already has enough laws on the books that he says are regularly broken when it comes to talking on a cell phone in a car, he says more legislation won’t have any benefit.

Mitchell opposes a measure which just passed out of a House committee that would ban the use of talking on a cell phone while driving, unless it is with a hands-free device.

“Why do we have to dictate common sense,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell also discussed planned cuts to Medicaid, a proposed ban on teenagers using tanning beds and a proposal to allow gay marriage in Illinois.

You can hear his conversation with Scott and Colleen here.

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