Exit Interview: Rep. Kelly Burke "Treat People with Respect"
Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) is reflecting on 14 years in the General Assembly.
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As outgoing Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) drove home from the final day of her final veto session last month, she dealt with high winds, heavy snow, and drivers who weren’t acclimated to winter weather in Illinois.
“I just thought, I am not going to miss this,” Burke said with a laugh.
Burke was elected to her southwest side and southwest suburban district in 2010 and announced last year she wouldn’t seek an eight term in the House after having been elected Mayor in Evergreen Park and surviving a cancer battle.
Looking back on her time in Springfield, Burke says the most significant moment was the protracted budget impasse between Democrats and Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, when the state went without an operating budget for 793 days.
“The budget impasse was just brutal. That was absolutely the worst. And so, so needless,” Burke said. “It was incredibly stressful. It was dispiriting. And I don't think there's anybody who, on either side of the aisle, who served through that time, who didn't seriously consider quitting.”
Burke cited creation of ABLE accounts, 529-style savings accounts for people with disabilities and work on special education access as some of her most rewarding work during her time in the General Assembly.
As she leaves, lawmakers face a deep budget deficit and numerous spending pressures from across the state.
“It's always a challenge. The needs of people are always going to exceed our available resources,” Burke said. “It's a balancing game. I don't know exactly how it's going to play out, but it's going to require people to work together and prioritize, because I don't think we want to to go back to deficit spending.”
When asked if she believes that will require a tax increase, Burke said “that is a decision for the next General Assembly.”
Burke is highly regarded on both sides of the aisle, even as Democrats often are perceived as unwilling to “play ball” with superminority Republicans.
Burke said she rarely agreed with Republicans, but always wanted to work honestly with them.
“I try to treat people with respect and also try to get to know people. AnI think I've always been fair,” she said. “The Republicans are in a super minority. They don't have a lot of opportunities to make a splash, but I just never wanted to get in and make it and make it personal.”
Burke will be replaced by Democrat Rick Ryan, who won a contested primary in March. She will seek a second term as Evergreen Park Mayor next year and, best of all, continues to have a clean bill of health.