Yingling Introduces Major Omnibus Bill to Address County Corruption

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to making government more accountable to local taxpayers, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D–Grayslake, has been working on a major omnibus reform package that aims to address recent corruption scandals within Lake County government.

“In light of the lack of accountability and transparency we have experienced in Lake County, reforms are needed to prevent further abuse of power,” Yingling said. “These reforms will make politicians more accountable and restore faith in our local government.”

Yingling has been working with fellow legislators and Lake County officials to address recent corruption scandals in the county. He is sponsoring Senate Bill 1236, an omnibus of initiatives which would:

• Allow a county board to vote to remove an unelected county board chairperson;
• Ensure elected officials do not receive both compensation and pension benefits from the same position while still serving
• Establish transitional audits for the offices of incoming countywide officials to ensure funds were properly used; and
• Require contract vendors to disclose relationships with county officials before they can win contracts.

Some of these initiatives have the support of Lake County Chairwoman Sandy Hart, Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court Erin Cartwright Weinstein, and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim.

“Elected officials have the duty to act in the best interest of local families,” Yingling said. “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to ensure that there is more oversight and accountability of taxpayer funds so that vital resources are invested in our community and its residents.”