TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP ON PAY-TO-PLAY

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR) on Monday called on legislators to pass legislation aimed as lessening the influence of campaign contributors seeking state contracts.

“In spite of a long string of news stories detailing the awarding of state contracts to big campaign contributors, the General Assembly didn’t even debate the reform legislation in the spring session,” said Cynthia Canary, Director of ICPR. “Legislators will be back soon for a two-week veto session, and that’s plenty of time to debate and pass this pending reform.”

Canary called on the General Assembly to pass the reform package advanced by Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Under the Hynes proposal, contractors with a total of more than $25,000 in state contracts would be prohibited from contributing to the officeholder who awarded the contracts. For smaller contracts, between $10,000 and $25,000, the bidder would have to disclose any campaign contributions to the officeholder awarding the contract within the past two years.

“In the eyes of many taxpayers, the state treasury has become a playground for big campaign contributors,” Canary said. “Legitimate, honest business owners have to wonder whether they can even do business with the state without contributing to some officeholder.”

ICPR also supports much of what is included in a campaign finance proposal submitted to the General Assembly late in the legislative session by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

“We are working with the Governor’s staff to refine and improve that far-reaching proposal, and we hope the General Assembly will consider those changes next spring,” Canary said. “In addition to the curbs on pay to play, the General Assembly should embrace the Governor’s call for a ban on contributions by corporations and labor unions coupled with limits on how much individuals can contribute to campaigns.”

For details of the campaign and government reforms proposed by ICPR and other reform organizations in Illinois, visit www.ilcampaign.org

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