Mussman Legislation Aims to Combat Sexual Harassment in Capitol

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to widespread allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct in Illinois politics, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is sponsoring two new measures aimed at changing the culture that breeds inappropriate, predatory behavior.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to use a position of power to intimidate or harass another person, and it is shameful that this kind of behavior occurs in our state Capitol,” Mussman said. “Seasoned politicians and powerful lobbyists should be setting an example for young, up-and-coming staffers. Instead, they have contributed to a culture that discourages reporting instances of sexual harassment because victims fear professional retaliation.”

Mussman’s House Joint Resolution 83 calls on those working in government to work together to root out the culture that allows for sexual harassment to happen.

Mussman is also co-sponsoring Senate Bill 402, which would revamp current harassment policies to ensure that lobbyists, elected officials and their staff undergo annual trainings around sexual misconduct awareness and prevention.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their workplace,” Mussman said. “To that end, we must work to bring an end to dehumanizing behavior by those with power, which starts with educating the men and women who work in government about how to prevent and address it.”