February 2004
Hang on to your hat! Illinois has finally moved into the 21st Century by passing a landmark package of ethics reforms that are long overdue. Illinois politics and state government are well known for unsavory practices that turn on patronage, lobbyist favors, and employee "contributions" to re-elect officeholders. But newly elected Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) says enough is enough. In November 2003, he succeeded in convincing the Illinois General Assembly to take action. The new law will:
• Create ethics commissions and inspectors general with subpoena powers to detect wrongdoing
• Forbid legislators and constitutional officers from using public money to pay for billboards, bumper stickers, and other paraphernalia bearing their name or image
• Ban state employees for one year after leaving the state payroll from taking jobs with companies about which they made regulatory, licensing or contracting decisions
• Ban political contributions on state property and prohibit state workers from performing political work
• Require local governments to adopt restrictions on gift-taking and political activity
• Require unpaid advisors to the governor and other state officials to file economic disclosure statements if they act on behalf of the officials
• Bans perks such as golf outings and tennis matches paid for by lobbyist but allows lobbyists to spend up to $75/day per official for drink and food
The law provides for both civil and criminal penalties with fines up to $10,000 and/or one year in prison for some violations.
Hurrah for Illinois!
—Story Source: Ray Long and John Chase, "Landmark Ethics Law Approved," Chicago Tribune, November 21, 2003:p.1.