Edly-Allen Measure Cracks Down on Public Corruption

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to crack down on acts of corruption committed by Illinois politicians, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, introduced legislation to freeze the campaign funds of elected officials indicted for violations of certain state or federal laws.

“For far too long politics and corruption have been nearly synonymous,” Edly-Allen said. “We must hold unethical politicians accountable when they betray the public’s trust. By freezing their campaign funds, we can bring them one step closer to justice.”

Edly-Allen’s legislation, House Bill 2809, would require the treasurer of a candidate political committee to freeze all funds, contributions and other receipts upon the filing of an indictment against the candidate related to specific state and/or federal criminal offenses, including intimidation, bribery, kickbacks, extortion, vote buying and other forms of misconduct. Edly-Allen’s legislation intends to help create a stronger system that does not enable politicians to engage in unethical practices without facing the consequences. 

“It’s time to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in government,” Edly-Allen said. “This legislation will help us clean up the culture of corruption that has damaged our state and its reputation.”

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