SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) – In a show of bi-partisanship, two state senate committees will be co-chaired by Republicans.

Republican Dale Fowler will co-chair the Higher Education Committee alongside Democrat Michael Halpin. Republican Sally Beason will co-chair the State Government Committee alongside Democrat Patrick Joyce.

Democrats hold a 40-19 majority in the Illinois Senate, which means Democrats also have majorities on all committees and, traditionally, the majority party presides over those committees.