Yingling Fights for Ethics Reform, Lobbyist Transparency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing to fight for government ethics reforms, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is supporting legislation that creates stricter transparency laws for lobbyists, legislators, and all elected or appointed officials.

“Far too many times has the same corruption scandal been repeated; it’s time to take action to bring the state accountability and transparency that it desperately needs,” Yingling said. “I hope these first steps will lead to a more transparent and fair government that our communities can rely on.”

Yingling is backing Senate Bill 1639, a bill that takes the first step towards ethics and lobbying reform by creating stronger requirements for transparency in economic interests. The new form would require legislators to disclose all outside income, assets, debts, gifts and existing relationships with lobbyists. The legislation also offers stricter rules for registered lobbyists, and ensures that all units of government, sub-lobbyists, and appointed positions applicable to the lobbyist is disclosed.

Earlier this year, Yingling championed Senate Bill 1236, an omnibus of government corruption reform initiatives that increased transparency for elected officials in Lake County. This bipartisan legislation drew support from both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, as well as from Lake County officials. Yingling will continue fighting to bring reform to state and local government.

“Though much more needs to be done to tackle this issue, I am confident that change is coming,” Yingling said. “I urge my colleagues to work together to ensure the success of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation.”