Illinois State House District 79 issued the following announcement on Oct. 16
On Global Ethics Day, Parkhurst Calls for Creation of Task Force to Tighten Ethics Rules amid Growing List of Government Corruption
Parkhurst to introduce legislation creating State Ethics Task Force during Veto Session
In recognition of Global Ethics Day, State Representative Lindsay Parkhurst, along with several of her legislative colleagues, announced plans to introduce legislation to create a State Ethics Task Force to tighten ethics rules within Illinois government.
“We have a duty to regain the public trust in our government when that trust has been eroded,” stated Rep. Parkhurst. “We’ve seen the headlines of the FBI’s recent activity, including raiding the homes of legislators, lobbyists, and offices within the State Capitol. The cost of corruption is too high to ignore.”
Within the past year, questionable activities by those within state government raise concerns that Illinois’ ethics rules are not strict enough. Examples include:
A State Senator indicted on embezzlement charges
An ongoing federal probe into another member of the State Senate
A federal investigation into the campaign finance activities of a former state legislator and current Illinois Auditor General
Secretary of State investigation into a State Senator for economic conflicts of interest
Based on FBI actions, questions surrounding local municipalities and various industries, including energy, gaming, and transportation sectors
“The State Ethics Task Force will identify areas of concern, study best practices implemented by states and the federal government, and propose legislation early next year to ensure Illinois has among the toughest ethics laws in the nation.”
Veto Session begins the week of October 28th.
Original source can be found here.
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