Halpin Backs Ethics Reform, Government Transparency Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois will put into place long-needed ethical standards and government transparency reforms due to a bill that state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, helped pass.

“For too long, Illinoisans have had to tolerate ethical violations and a lack of transparency in their government,” Halpin said. “Our community deserves public servants who are working to better Illinois, not line their pockets. Making health care more affordable, building up a better education system for our children, and revitalizing Illinois’ economy following the COVID-19 pandemic are challenges that deserve our focus. Representatives should never divert from critical issues like those in favor of personal financial opportunities.”

Halpin supported Senate Bill 539 to put an end to public officials enriching themselves on the job. The legislation prohibits elected officials from lobbying on behalf of those who have lobbied them, creates buffer periods between retirement from influential public positions and accepting lobbying jobs, and increases transparency.

“Along with new regulations on various lobbying practices, we must make government more transparent to protect our democracy,” Halpin said. “Good government happens out in the open with public oversight, and I will continue fighting so that communities across Illinois have a fair say in their democracy.”