State Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) | senatorsallyturner.com
State Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) | senatorsallyturner.com
State Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) recently spoke in support of Senate Bill 3636, an ethics reform package.
Turner made her comments at a Jan. 27 news conference.
"As a new member of the Illinois General Assembly, serving on the State Ethics Committee, I have unfortunately quickly learned that our state lacks the adequate protections against corruption in many areas, whether it's a process of how the Legislative Inspector General is chosen or the constraints placed on those responsible for fighting corruption such as in the Legislative inspector General's Office or the countless loopholes that may be manipulated for unethical purposes," Turner said.
Under the proposed legislation, no legislator may, during his or her term of office, negotiate for employment with a lobbying entity, according to Open States. The bill would provide limitations concerning lobbying by a member of the General Assembly or his or her spouse or any immediate family member living with that member of the General Assembly. SB3636 would also prohibit former members of the General Assembly from lobbying the General Assembly within a specified period of time.
"Today we're continuing the push from last year for strong, common-sense reforms that will truly root out the corruption our state has become all-too-known for," Turner said. "Our proposal is built upon the general assembly's recent work, addressing any glaring omissions from last year's ethics package. These ideas will help protect the people of Illinois and they deserve to be discussed this spring."
Senate Bill 3636 was filed on Jan. 19. Twelve Republicans are co-sponsoring the bill. The bill, upon passage, would go into effect immediately. The bill is currently within the Senate Assignments Committee.
"Our legislation will finally implement real change that the people of Illinois have asked for and that they truly want. Our constituents are simply tired of waiting for change. We must act now. It's time for legislators who have promised to combat corruption to keep their word and to change the culture of politics in Illinois.
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