Top leaders representing the Republican side of the Illinois House and Senate share their thoughts and criticisms on this year's budget.

Today on The 21st, we spent the hour discussing what to expect from the governor's State of the State address, as well as hearing from legislative leaders to get their perspectives on the coming term.

Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly say it’s time to slowly reopen some sectors of the economy in the state. Illinois State Reps. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) and Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) spoke with The 21st about their plan. 

Illinois state legislators and advocates say state employees need more protection from a growing trend of workplace violence. But statehouse measures addressing that have gotten a mixed reception.