Yingling-Supported Measure Banning Taxpayer-Funded Hush Money for Sexual Harassment Claims Approved by House

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – After reports that members of the United States Congress used public funds to pay settlements in sexual harassment cases, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, to would prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to silence accusers was approved by the House last week.

“Taxpayer dollars should never be used to silence victims or force inaction on sexual harassment allegations,” said Yingling. “This is an important piece of legislation in our continued work to change the culture in our society and send a clear message that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated.”

House Bill 4243 prohibits members of the General Assembly from using public funds, including legislative office allowances, to pay sexual harassment settlements in exchange for silence or inaction on cases.

“This proposal is a step in the right direction towards greater fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars and addressing issues like sexual misconduct, but my work is far from over,” Yingling continued. “I remain committed to working to continue to push for greater reforms with respect to issues of harassment and discrimination.”