Stepping into one of the most prominent roles held by an openly gay person in Illinois, 13th Dist. Representative Greg Harris, has been named the new chairman of the House Appropriation-Human Services Committee.
Harris announced the new role Jan. 31 in an email to constituents.
"We are faced with enormous challenges and incredibly difficult choices as we try to balance our budget, maintain a safety net for those in need, and provide supports for Illinois families," Harris wrote. "I will do my best to address those challenges and choices in a fair manner that best serves all our 13 million residents."
The committee oversees more than half of the state's budget, focusing on health and human services like senior care, healthcare and Medicaid. This year, it will be forced to tackle unparalleled financial woes facing Illinois, a task Harris called "daunting."
"We're going to have to make some very difficult decisions because of the financial situation that our state is in," he said.
His focus will be on pensions and closing tax loopholes, among other things he said.