Nichols Helps Pass Ethic Reforms Package to Crack Down on Corruption

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to ensure state government is working for Illinoisans, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, backed legislation that would create stronger ethics laws for state elected officials.

“Our constituents send us to Springfield to work on their behalf, not to try and enrich ourselves,” said Nichols. “After years of corruption and mismanagement, it is past time that we work on ethics reform and ensure officials are doing the jobs they are elected to do.”

Nichols voted for Senate Bill 539, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill creates a number of restrictions on state elected officials, ending the practice of politicians receiving a full-month salary for less than a full-month’s work, prohibiting officials from becoming lobbyists until 6 months after their term ends, and banning political fundraisers on legislative session days. The bill also strengthens the Inspector General’s investigative powers and requires additional transparency from lobbyists.

“After a year in which many are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing residents need to worry about is that their elected representatives are ignoring their needs,” said Nichols. “After years of high-profile politicians being imprisoned for corruption, it is clear that there is a great deal of work that needs to be done to ensure politicians aren’t using their office for personal gain. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, I will continue to work to make our laws as strong as possible and help restore trust in Illinois government.”