Good Government Groups call on Legislature to Pass Omnibus Pension Reform/Procurement/Ethics Reform Bill (SB2847)

A coalition of good government groups including The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, Protestants for the Common Good, The League of Women Voters of Illinois and Illinois Common Cause joined together to encourage passage of SB 2847. The legislation sponsored by Senators Schoenberg, Garrett, Harmon, Radogno and Dillard offers comprehensive reform of the state’s pension, investment and purchasing procedures.

“In recent months far too many questions have been raised about the lobbying of pension boards and how contracts are awarded in Illinois” said Cynthia Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. “This legislation increases transparency and puts important safeguards in place to ensure that our tax dollars are being utilized wisely.”

Key provisions of the legislation include:
• Barring contingency fee arrangements for those involved in pension or investment deals;
• Requiring all board members of state pension funds and retirement systems to file statements of economic interest;
• Prohibiting trustees and employees of state pension funds and retirement systems from having any direct interest in investments made by the system;
• Mandating that an explanation be posted in the Procurement Bulletin when the lowest bidder is not awarded a contract; and
• Requiring that each contract include a certification for reporting political contributions.

“The Senators should be saluted for working across party lines to clean up Illinois’ pension and procurement systems” said Todd Dieterle, Board President of Illinois Common Cause.

“We view this bill as an excellent start, but recognize that additional steps must be taken to restore confidence in Illinois government. We hope to see the same bipartisan leadership to advance legislation ending pay-to-play this session.” Said Jennifer Kottler, Deputy Director of Protestants for the Common Good.

League President Paula Lawson encouraged quick action by the Legislature. “A condensed legislative session is no excuse for letting meaningful legislation sit. This bill deserves to move swiftly to the Governor’s desk.”

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