Rep. Walker Backs Ethics Reform Package, Creates Ethics Reform Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to transparent and accountable government, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently voted to make lobbying more transparent, and voted to create the bipartisan Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.

“It’s unacceptable when elected officials abuse their power for personal gain,” Walker said. “Corruption ruins people’s trust in government, and residents expect us to work in their best interest. That’s why I voted for tighter ethics rules and to create a Joint Commission to make concrete recommendations to reform the laws that govern the actions of elected officials, state employees and lobbyists.”

Walker supported Senate Bill 1639 which requires lobbyists to disclose each unit of government they are registered to lobby, all elected or appointed positions they hold and any sub-lobbyists they contract. The Walker-backed House Joint Resolution 93 creates the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform that will closely examine state ethics and lobbying laws, bring stakeholders to the table, and make firm recommendations to reform the laws governing the actions of elected officials, state employees and lobbyists. The Commission will be comprised of two appointees each from the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, four appointees from the governor, two appointees from the attorney general and two appointees from the secretary of state. The Commission must make its recommendations by the end of March.

“I came to Springfield to build a stronger Illinois,” Walker said. “Ensuring we weed out corruption is a necessary component of that goal.”