Quincy Reporter

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) is pressuring Democrats in Springfield to remain true to their word when it comes to ethics reform.

“Less than a year ago members from both sides of the aisle promised that the ethics package we passed was only the first step to rooting out corruption,” Tracy said at a recent news conference. “We haven't forgotten our promise and we hope that our Democrat colleagues haven't either. We are committed to the people of Illinois and hold true to our word and that is why we are prepared today to take another step.”

Tracy sees SB 3636 as the answer, arguing the Republican-drawn proposal seeks to ban spouses and other close family members residing with a General Assembly member from engaging in lobbying if they accept compensation.

In addition, the measure would prevent legislators from negotiating for employment with lobbying entities while holding public office and grant the attorney general the power to convene a statewide grand jury to investigate, indict and prosecute public corruption cases and suspected wrongdoing at the hands of public officials.

“We must take meaningful action to truly address corruption within our government,” Tracy said. “For years, numerous studies have ranked Illinois as one of the most corrupt states in the nation. According to Forbes' news outlet, Illinois has experienced the second highest number of public corruption convictions per capita. We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and act surprised when yet another Illinois politician is indicted.”

Tracy said she has few questions about what needs to come next in order to get Springfield to where it needs to be.

“We should fill the vacant legislative Inspector General's position with a candidate that the independent search committee highly recommended, not one hand-chosen by the Democrat politicians,” she said. “Then, we must pass legislation that holds legislators, public officials and other elected officials accountable for their actions and ensure the only interest they are looking out for are those of their constituents.”