Yingling Supports Ethics Reform Legislation, Combats Corruption in Springfield

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to bring good government practices to Springfield, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, helped pass an ethics reform package that will crack down on corruption in state government.

“After decades of corrupt practices running rampant in Springfield, it is critical that we put rules in place that ensures elected officials are working for their constituents, not taking advantage of them,” said Yingling. “We must repair the public’s faith in their state government for the sake of our democracy.”

Yingling co-sponsored Senate Bill 539, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support due to its restrictions on state elected officials. The measure ends the practice of politicians receiving a full-month salary for less than a full-month’s work, prohibits officials from becoming lobbyists until 6 months after their term ends, and bans political fundraisers on legislative session days. The bill also strengthens the Inspector General’s investigative powers and requires additional transparency from lobbyists.

Since entering office, Yingling has worked to fight corruption in Illinois. This session, he backed a proposal to ban red-light cameras in response to a recent probe revealing corruption allegations surrounding the use of red-light cameras. In previous sessions, he worked to decrease corruption at the local level by passing legislation stopping elected officials from taking both a taxpayer-funded salary and pension from the same position at the same time and requiring contract vendors to disclose relationships with county officials before they can win contracts, among other reforms.

“After a year in which so many residents and small businesses struggled to stay afloat, it is more important than ever to ensure that elected officials are putting all of their effort into providing support for their constituents,” said Yingling. “There is still much more work that needs to be done, and I will continue to work to end corrupt practices and bring good government measures to both state and local government.”