CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Longtime State Representative Lou Lang was recently elected to his 17th term, but has decided to step down to go into private industry.
Lang is 69-years old and has decided to become a lobbyist after 31 years in the Illinois House. He has become a partner in the government affairs firm, Advantage Government Strategies, LLC.
He said he's most proud of pushing through legislation allowing medical marijuana in Illinois.
"I think I've had a good run. I think I leave with a good reputation and I'm looking forward to this next act," Lang said.
He said he's also proud of his work on the opioid abuse crisis and legalized gaming in Illinois.
Lang said he knew before the election there might be a job for him as a lobbyist if he wanted it. He said talks got serious in the last three weeks.
As a Democratic Party committeeman, Lang will be one of three people who picks who will replace him in the legislature. He said the other two will be the other two Democratic Party committeemen in his legislative district, State Senator Ira Silverstein and Chicago Alderman Pat O'Connor.
"It's the time for a little bit of new blood. It's the time for me to move on and do other things I want to do. I'll also be involved in choosing my replacement so that excites me, as well," he said.
Lang said he was hand-picked to become a state representative when then-State Rep. Alan Greiman decided to resign to become a judge.
