State Representative John M. Cabello, R-Machesney Park, has been appointed Minority Spokesperson on the Police and Fire Committee and the Public Safety-Appropriations Committee for the 2023-2025 legislative term, a role that positions him to influence legislation impacting first responders and funding for 23 separate state agencies including the Department of Corrections, Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police.
The Spokesperson is responsible for leading the efforts of the minority caucus within each committee; including questioning witnesses who provide testimony at committee hearings, being the lead advocate for caucus positions on legislation assigned to that committee, and negotiating with the Committee Chairperson to reach bipartisan consensus on as many bills as possible.
“I will work proactively to ensure that our first responders and public safety professionals in every agency have the resources they need,” Cabello said. “This can and should be done on a bipartisan basis. I am ready to get to work immediately to support our police and fire personnel across Illinois and address our state’s public safety needs.”
In addition to the Spokesperson assignments, Representative Cabello has also been appointed to serve on the Judiciary – Criminal Committee, the Public Utilities Committee, the Executive Committee, the Gaming Committee, and the committee on Immigration and Human Rights.
The Judiciary – Criminal Committee handles all legislation concerning criminal laws including areas such as mandatory minimum sentencing, penalty enhancements, criminal justice reform, and regulation of sex offenders. Representative Cabello previously served on this committee from 2015-2021.
Committee assignments for the 103rd General Assembly were announced this week by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna.