NOVEMBER 20, 2003

ETHICS REFORM COMES TO ILLINOIS

The Illinois Campaign Reform Coalition released the following statement in reaction to the passage of ethics reform legislation by the Illinois General Assembly:

Ethics reform has finally moved to the top of state government’s agenda. The leaders of state government have listened to Illinois citizens and have been able to reach an agreement on a series of comprehensive and strong reforms – reforms that spell out the importance of ethical behavior and create a mechanism to investigate and punish those who abuse the public’s trust.

We commend the governor and all of the constitutional officers for working together to reach this agreement with the legislative leaders and the other members of the General Assembly. For once, partisan differences have been set aside, and everyone involved was able to produce a far-reaching set of rules and enforcement mechanisms. All involved can be proud of their accomplishments.

It is important to stress that passage of this legislation alone is not enough to guarantee clean and open government in Illinois. However, ongoing ethics training for all state employees combined with stringent enforcement of these new laws can – over time – make ethical misconduct a rarity rather than a given in Illinois government.

The Illinois Campaign Reform Coalition includes the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), the League of Women Voters of Illinois, Common Cause Illinois, the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, Protestants for the Common Good, the Citizen Advocacy Center and Citizen Action Illinois.

For Information: Cynthia Canary - ICPR Director
(312) 335-1767