Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) argues his opposition to the expansion of the Local Journalism Task Force stems from deductive reasoning.

“What I think is there are 10 vacancies currently,” McClure said during recent Senate floor debate on Senate Bill 3082. “I’m curious why we’re expanding this when the current positions are not filled?”

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) explained that the expansion was to finalize the numbers on the task force and that additional appointments would be made later.

“We wanted to broaden and include more representatives at the table and so while we are finalizing this legislation and finalizing the makeup of the task force, some of the remaining appointments were not made, but I've talked to most members who are willing to be on the task force and they are going to be submitting their names,” Stadleman said. “So we’re just simply waiting to finalize the numbers on this task force with this legislation and then we'll move forward with the additional appointments.

Ultimately, the measure passed the Senate 49-5, with McClure joining Sens. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), Neil Anderson (R-Moline), Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia) and Win Stoller (R-Peoria) in casting no votes.

Sponsored by Rep. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park), the bill arrived on the House Floor on Feb. 28 and is slated to have new members appointed by the governor within 30 days of the effective date.