Hurley Calls for Action on Ethics Reform Initiative

CHICAGO – As a part of her continued work to pass ethics reforms for state government, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is working to pass legislation to prohibit spouses of sitting lawmakers from being appointed to a paid position on any state board.

“It is a clear conflict of interest for a person to be paid to work on a state board or commission when their spouse has a say in the policies that govern it, potentially allowing bad actors to use their position to get rich,” said Hurley. “Our state government has a notorious reputation for corruption. Now more than ever as our state navigates the COVID-19 crisis, it is critical that residents have a government they can trust and put their faith in.”

Hurley is leading the effort to pass House Bill 3872, which would prohibit the appointment of a sitting General Assembly member’s spouse to a paid position on any state board, commission, authority, task force or similar body. Hurley has continually fought for ethics reform in state government and supported a new state law that increases transparency and accountability in lobbying practices.

“My legislation will ensure that qualified individuals are given a chance to offer their expertise on important boards that make decisions that impact our families,” continued Hurley. “This legislation should be passed as soon as the General Assembly returns to Springfield to make sure these positions are no longer just handed to insiders.”

For more information, please contact Hurley’s constituent service office at 773-445-8128 or RepFranHurley@gmail.com.