There shall be such staff assistants for the General Assembly as necessary. Staff assistants may be employed as full-time employees, part-time employees, or contractual employees. Of the staff assistants so provided, one half the total number shall be for the Senate and one half for the House of Representatives. Of the assistants provided for the Senate, one half shall be designated by the President and one half by the minority leader. Of the assistants provided for the House of Representatives, one half shall be designated by the Speaker and one half by the minority leader.
25 ILCS 160/1a