Despite the political problems in Springfield, a bill to address Chicago’s gun violence is creating some strange alliances.
The legislation would increase the prison time for people convicted of using a gun illegally more than once.
It’s being carried by Jim Durkin - the top House Republican from the western suburbs.
He’s been working with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel - saying public safety overrules political differences.
"When the superintendent says ‘I need this. This is important.’ He understands the problem," Durkin said. "He understands the profile of those who are the ones that are tearing up the neighborhoods and I want to help him.
The bill is not popular with African-American lawmakers from Chicago, who have said it would disproportionately affect minorities. The National Rifle Association also objects to the measure, saying the bill imposes added fees on the shops that sell guns in Illinois.
"Despite what people have said, this is about running people out of business. They expect to see smaller dealers go out and not want to contend with this," Todd Vandermyde, a lobbyist for the NRA, said.
It’s not yet clear how much gun shops will be charged for a license if the bill becomes law.
Supporters of the bill say licensing gun dealers would help crack down on those that sell guns to people who use them illegally.
The bill still needs to pass the full House and be signed by the governor.