Pritzker Signs Mussman-Backed Initiative to Strengthen State Ethics Laws

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To call for transparency and increased accountability among elected officials, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported a legislative package to strengthen state ethics laws to crack down on public corruption and unethical lobbying practices.

“Lawmakers are beholden to the communities they represent, and the residents of Illinois deserve a state government that they can put their faith in to make decisions on the important issues that impact our families,” said Mussman. “It is time to shine a light on shady lobbying situations and put an end to practices that allow politicians to use their power and influence to get rich.”

Mussman backed a package of legislative proposals to reform state government ethics and lobbying practices. Mussman’s Senate Bill 1639 includes a series of reforms to strengthen state ethics laws and will require lobbyists to disclose each unit of government they are registered to lobby, and all elected or appointed positions they hold. The bill will also require the Secretary of State to create a publicly searchable database to provide information on lobbyist campaign contributions and the statements of economic interests of elected officials and state employees.

House Joint Resolution 93 creates the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, a bipartisan, bicameral task force that will closely examine state ethics and lobbying laws and make concrete recommendations to reform current laws. Both measures were recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“I will continue standing up for families and demanding reforms that Illinoisans want,” said Mussman. “Part of my commitment to building a stronger Illinois includes increasing transparency and accountability across government, and these new laws are an important step forward.”

Mussman represents the 56th District, which contains portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Palatine.