State Sen. Neil Anderson joined fellow lawmakers in the chambers of the House of Representatives January 27 to listen to Gov. Bruce Rauner address Illinois in the State of the State Address. Anderson sat with Democrat State Representative Mike Smiddy, who represents the northern half of the 36^th District.

“Today, the Governor outlined his vision for Illinois for the next year. As a Senator who represents a border district, I am especially sensitive to the need for economic development to create jobs and keep them in Illinois instead of fleeing to Iowa,” said Anderson. “I was happy to hear the Governor address this topic, and others like education, and streamlining government that I know my constituents care about. Realistically, the people in my district didn’t need a speech to tell them that Illinois is in trouble. It’s time that we come together, in a bi-partisan way, to find compromise and address the issues Illinois is facing. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle over the next year to make Illinois a better place to live.”