Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) joins The Morning Newswatch to discuss a meeting he had with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner in Washington, among other topics.

Tom Miller and IL State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) discuss the legislature's decision to spend $5b in federal funds during the state's ongoing budget crisis.

Illinois State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) joins The Morning Newswatch.