SPRINGFIELD (ILLINOIS CAPITOL BUREAU) -- Illinois House Republicans say the COVID-19 pandemic can't hide the fact that lawmakers have to address ethical issues in Springfield. Ethics and lobbying were major topics throughout the shortened session, but those talks ended abruptly with the rise of coronavirus cases in Illinois.
Caucus members are upset Democratic leaders didn't address ethics reforms during the special session in May. Now, they want voters to respond at the polls this fall.
"The only way to stop the cycle of corruption from continuing is for the taxpayers of our state to show up at the voting booths in November, and earlier these days, and vote them out of office. All of them," exclaimed Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield).
Several members of the caucus noted the corruption of former Rep. Luis Arroyo and Sen. Martin Sandoval. Both men faced public scrutiny after charges of abuse last year. Arroyo resigned from the House, but his bribery case remains unresolved. Meanwhile, Sandoval pleaded guilty to bribery and tax fraud charges in January.
The Republicans also emphasized their disappointment with the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying. The group spent months listening to testimony about changes needed in Springfield, but missed the deadline for a final report to lawmakers.
"Culture of corruption"
"This is not a priority for the leadership of the Democratic party. They do not believe ethics reform is a priority," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "The things that are a priority for them they move, and they move quickly. Things that are not a priority take forever."
Windhorst wants the Commission to finish their report so the General Assembly can begin passing reforms. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says rank and file members never challenge their leaders due to "the culture of corruption."
"Ethics can never go away. We can't allow the ethics problem of Illinois to be overshadowed by COVID," Durkin said. "It's a convenient way for the Democrats to walk away from the issue they've created."
