SPRINGFIELD (ILLINOIS CAPITOL BUREAU) -- Republican members of the Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying feel the group should reconvene immediately. The commission hasn't met since March, although several legislative committees have met throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican members sent a letter to the commission's Democratic co-chairs on July 23 asking for the meetings to resume. Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) says the state needs to get back on track and clean up corruption.
"If we as a state government are to regain the public's confidence, we need to root out corruption and enact serious reforms," Windhorst said. "We need a state government worthy of its citizens, a government whose elected representatives put public service above their own personal benefits."
Cloud of corruption
Other Republicans note Gov. JB Pritzker approved legislation to allow committees and state boards to meet electronically. As a result, they say there's no reason to wait any longer.
"Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ethical cloud hanging over Springfield needs to be addressed," added Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). "And our commission can that in a safe manner."
Still, the group has to present a final report to the General Assembly with suggestions for reforming ethical standards and lobbying protocols. Recently, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have presented ideas for the commission to move forward.
"The silence coming from the Democratic leadership on this commission - Sen. Elgie Sims and Leader Greg Harris - is unconscionable. It speaks volumes to where their priorities are," said Rep. Grant Wehrli.
The Naperville native says silence from the Democrats is an endorsement of the status quo. Meanwhile, the co-chairs and other members of the commission said the group will meet to submit their final report in the coming weeks. They stated it is unfortunate their Republican colleagues politicized the issue.
“While our state is still hurting from the effects of the pandemic and cases continue to rise, we’re all trying to help our constituents the best we can, now is not the time to work against each other," the Democrats stated.
