West Central Reporter

Senate Legislative Ethics Committee Chair Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) is pressing Democrats to remain true to their vows of bringing ethics reform to Springfield.  

“Less than a year ago members from both sides of the aisle promised that the ethics package we passed was only the first step to rooting out corruption,” Tracy said at a recent news conference. “We haven't forgotten our promise and we hope that our Democrat colleagues haven't either. We are committed to the people of Illinois and hold true to our word and that is why we are prepared today to take another step.”

Tracy is pushing Senate Bill 3636 as the next step in the process. Touting it as a return to the days when citizens could trust in their government, Tracy says the bill would prevent spouses and other close family members residing with a General Assembly member from engaging in lobbying if they accept compensation, along with preventing legislators from negotiating for employment with lobbying entities while holding public office.

In addition, the bill would grant the attorney general the power to convene a statewide grand jury to investigate, indict, and prosecute public corruption cases and suspected wrongdoing at the hands of public officials.

“We must take meaningful action to truly address corruption within our government,” Tracy said. “For years, numerous studies have ranked Illinois as one of the most corrupt states in the nation. According to Forbes' news outlet, Illinois has experienced the second highest number of public corruption convictions per capita. We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and act surprised when yet another Illinois politician is indicted.”

Tracy said she remains clear about where Springfield needs to go from here.

“We should fill the vacant legislative Inspector General's position with a candidate that the independent search committee highly recommended, not one hand-chosen by the Democrat politicians,” she said. “Then, we must pass legislation that holds legislators, public officials and other elected officials accountable for their actions and ensure the only interest they are looking out for are those of their constituents.”