Poll: Voters Hold Low Opinion of Illinois Lawmakers

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

“I don't like the legislature, but I like my own local lawmaker.”

Even that beloved local lawmaker might be on thin ice, if results of a new survey released by Illinois Policy Action are to be believed. The survey says the Illinois General Assembly enjoys a 9.8 percent approval rating.

“Just like they like their local teacher, but they don't always like the performance of the schools,” says Illinois Policy CEO John Tillman, who says Illinois Policy Action is an “advocacy partner” of the right-leaning Illinois Policy Institute.

“The public is just so disenchanted with political leadership in general that I believe they will be much more open to having new faces serving in the General Assembly,” he adds.

Gov. Bruce Rauner: 39.4 percent approve, 53.2 percent disapprove.
House Speaker Mike Madigan: 19.9 percent approve, 57.2 percent disapprove.
Illinois General Assembly: 9.8 percent approve, 69.6 percent disapprove.
An elected official who would raise taxes to balance the budget:
30.8 percent approve, 48.8 percent disapprove.