Lake County Gazette

In a recent announcement, House Republicans emphasized their commitment to restoring public faith in government and combating corruption in Illinois through strengthened ethics laws. Despite introducing several anti-corruption measures this session, the supermajority Democrats did not advance any of them.

The proposed bills by the Republicans include a range of reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the state government:

- HB 3044 seeks to empower Illinoisans with greater legislative oversight by enabling citizens to place advisory referendums on ballots during general elections.

- HB 3045 mandates that any legislator lobbyist registration or renewal fees be personally funded, prohibiting the use of political committee or caucus funds for this purpose.

- HB3046 introduces compulsory ethics training specifically designed for legislators.

- Through HJRCA0021, constituents would gain the power to remove elected officials from office via recall petitions.

- Lastly, HJR0052 calls for an audit into what has been termed "The Friends & Family Program" within Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office. This bill comes in response to allegations that numerous employees were hired based on political connections rather than qualifications—a practice highlighted by a recent investigation conducted by Chicago’s WBEZ radio station.

Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) voiced his concerns regarding these alleged hiring practices: “The people of Illinois deserve better than patronage that puts unqualified people into important positions. ” He further stressed the necessity for continued pressure: “We must continue to push for stronger ethics laws that will help restore public trust in state government. ”