Edly-Allen Sponsors Legislation to Root out Corruption in State Government, Reform Lobbying Practices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  In the midst of ethics investigations, bipartisan initiatives sponsored by state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, to enact stricter ethics reforms and oversight passed the House last week.

“I’m disheartened by any abuse of public trust, whether it’s by a public official, corporate lobbyist, or a public employee,” said Edly-Allen. “These ethics reforms are just a first step to cleaning up government and restoring public trust in the process.”

House Joint Resolution 93 creates a bipartisan, bicameral Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform to comprehensively examine state ethics and lobbying laws and make concrete recommendations to reform the laws that govern the actions of elected officials, state employees and lobbyists.

Senate Bill 1693 increases transparency for lobbyists, requiring every state lobbyist to disclose information on the units of government they lobby, any elected or appointed positions they hold and any sub-lobbyists they hire to lobby on their behalf. Edly-Allen’s measure also makes it easier for citizens to search for lobbyist client information, campaign contributions and the economic interests of state officials.

“State government should not be shrouded in secrecy,” Edly-Allen added. “Increasing the transparency for the public to easily access critical information about their elected officials and those who lobby them is a commonsense measure to increase the public’s trust in their government. As we continue to reform state government, it’s important to remember that ethics reform cannot be achieved solely by passing laws. I’m committed to working with colleagues, all who work in state government, and the people I represent to ensure that we are creating a culture of integrity in our Capitol and beyond.”