Manley Leads Charge for Ethics Reform in State Government, Lobbying

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To increase transparency and accountability among government officials, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is leading an effort to pass a package of legislative reforms to improve and strengthen ethics rules and crack down on lobbying practices.

“Lawmakers are beholden to the communities they represent, and the residents of Illinois deserve a state government that they can put their faith in to make decisions on the important issues facing our state,” said Manley. “It is time to shine a light on shady lobbying situations and put an end to practices that lead to public corruption and a loss of trust from Illinoisans.”

Manley supported a package of legislative proposals to reform state government ethics and lobbying practices. Senate Bill 1639 includes a series of reforms to strengthen state ethics laws including increased transparency of outside income, assets, significant debts, gifts and relationships to lobbyists. This measure will also require lobbyists to disclose each unit of government they are registered to lobby, and all elected or appointed positions they hold.

Manley also supported House Joint Resolution 93, which creates the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, a bipartisan, bicameral task force that will closely examine state ethics and lobbying laws and make concrete recommendations to reform current laws. 

“I will continue working to be a strong voice for communities I represent, and fighting for commonsense reforms that Illinoisans deserve,” said Manley. “These measures are an important first step in in true reform. Part of my commitment to building a stronger Illinois includes increasing transparency and accountability across government.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.