Jessica Basham
Lobbyist on Contract
Basham Government Solutions, LLC
Phone:
217-502-3371
Email:
Jessica Basham of Basham Government Solutions, LLC joined our firm as a contractual lobbyist in October 2021. Jessica comes to GCS with over 18 years of experience with the Illinois Legislature. Most recently, Jessica served as Chief of Staff to House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (June 2018 - January 2021) and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (January - August 2021) before resigning to start her private lobbying and consulting work.
In her role as Chief, she managed the daily operations and schedule of the House of Representatives, as well as managed a staff of nearly 200 employees. Before becoming Chief of Staff, Jessica served as the Research and Appropriations Director for the Illinois House Democratic Caucus (January 2013 - June 2018), during which time she was the lead staff negotiator on the State Budget for House Democrats, as well as supervised the analysis of legislation impacting education, healthcare and human services, taxation, pensions, and more.
Before that role, she was a Research Analyst for the House Democratic Staff (January 2003 - January 2013), focusing primarily on revenue, gaming, and budget issues. Through her work with the House Democratic Staff, Jessica has become an expert on the state budget, numerous substantive issues, and the legislative process itself.
Work Experience
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE:
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Legislative process navigation
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Public policy research & analysis
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Strategic planning & communications
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Organizational management
June 2018 - August 2021
January 2013 – June 2018
January 2003 – December 2013
August 2021 - Current
Basham Government Solutions, LLC
Owner
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Owner and sole member of lobbying and consulting firm
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Monitor all pending legislation for matters pertinent to clients’ interests
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Represent and advocate for clients’ interests before local and state officials & their staff
State of Illinois Certified, Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Program
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Illinois House of Representatives
Chief of Staff, Office of the Speaker
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Directed and supervised 200 staff members; $15 million annual budget
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Directed and tracked legislative initiatives for House Democratic Caucus members
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Directed and coordinated the daily House floor session activity
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Illinois House of Representatives
Director of Research & Appropriations Unit, Office of the Speaker
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Directed and supervised 20 staff members
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Analyzed and communicated legislative proposals to members of House Leadership
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Lead staff negotiator for budget initiatives for the House Democratic Caucus
Illinois House of Representatives
Research Analyst, Research & Appropriations Unit, Office of the Speaker
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Lead researcher for projects and legislation involving issues of taxation, gaming, and economic development for the House Democratic Caucus
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Drafted and analyzed legislation, researched bill history, and interacted with legislators, lobbyist, agency
representatives, and constituents
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Summarized, in a concise report, several state agency budget requests and initiatives for presentation to
the legislative appropriation committee members
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Spoke publicly on the state budgeting system at summits held throughout the state
EDUCATION
B.A., Business Administration, Robert Morris College, Springfield IL
Graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors, Cumulative GPA 4.0 out of 4.0
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Participated in numerous projects emphasizing teamwork and analytical research
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Concentrations in management and finance
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