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Illinois formally entered a new era of divided government Wednesday with the swearing-in of a new Democratic-led legislature, but amid promises of cooperation with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, an undercurrent of political discord was evident.

Democrats hold veto-proof majorities of 71-47 in the House and 39-20 in the Senate, providing a significant check to the agenda of a new GOP governor, a first-time officeholder who has vowed to upset the status quo in Springfield that he contends has inhibited the states economic growth

Senate President John Cullerton used his inauguration speech after being chosen for a fourth term as leader to offer a response to Rauner, who castigated Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans as corrupt during the campaign and who criticized politicians in his own inaugural address Monday.

Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat, said, Each and every one of us is an honest, hardworking, ethical public official committed to improving the lives of people in this great state.

And House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat who has held the post for 30 of the past 32 years, congratulated Republicans for winning the governors office. Noting recent budgets have been approved with only Democratic votes, Madigan pointedly said to GOP members that House Democrats wish to welcome you back back to the active participation of state government.

The inaugurations this week of Rauner and the 99th General Assembly herald an uncertain time for a state already gripped by an uncertain future. Revenues are dropping due to a scheduled income tax cut, state agencies are facing cash shortages, billions of dollars of overdue bills are piling up, and hanging like a cloud over the economy is a near-$105 billion unfunded pension debt.

Just how well Rauner and lawmakers will cooperate to try to solve those problems remains one of Illinois biggest questions.

One indicator of how ruling Democrats in the legislature may view the politically untested Rauner came when state Sen. Bill Haine nominated Cullerton for another term as Senate president as the rookie governor presided over the ceremonies.

The Founding Fathers looked upon the legislative branch as the pre-eminent of the three branches of government, said Haine, D-Alton.

Republican lawmakers looked to Rauner to elevate their status in the General Assembly after a dozen years of one-party Democratic rule in Springfield, though it will require them to cast more difficult votes in support of their governor.

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Illinois Democrats welcome Rauner-led Republicans back to relevancy