(WIFR) – Members of the 104th General Assembly in Illinois get sworn in Wednesday, including two local lawmakers. Senator Dave Syverson and State Representative Maurice West share their plans for the new legislative term.

“It’s been frustrating because we have had a couple years of really overspending,” says Senator Dave Syverson.

Syverson says he’s worked to fix Illinois since 1993, and says he is ready to do it again. He was sworn into the 104th General Assembly ready for challenges and opportunities.

“We’re going to have to make some tough decisions about reigning in the growing state government that we have and I am certainly prepared to do that,” says Syverson.

Syverson believes Democrats will push to raise taxes. He says that’s the last thing Illinois should do to struggling families.

“Certainly financially, budget-wise, that’s something that I’m going to be focusing on and then also working to try to improve our job’s climate,” explains Syverson.

State Representative, Maurice West says lawmakers must focus on struggling families, especially those in need of affordable and safe housing.

“I know that housing is something that really should be taken a closer look on. I’m excited about legislation, that I will patterning with R1 Planning Council concerning land banks,” says West.

West explains our region’s land bank received $4 million, and turned it around into $18 million. He says that should be a model for the future.

“That’s what I’m excited about, that’s what I’m trying to focus on, and I know that it’s going to take some elbow grease for me to do that,” says West.

Both Syverson and West agree on continuing to make sure Northern Illinois community members’ voices are heard in Springfield.

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