Legislators who are ready for reform
In 1998, I sponsored --with then state Sen. Barack Obama and House Republican Leader Tom Cross -- the most sweeping ethics reforms ever approved by the General Assembly. It was the first major Illinois ethics changes enacted in 25 years. So I read with interest the Nov. 24 letter, "Money can still buy influence in Illinois."
A coalition of civic groups guided the passage of the landmark ethics law. It banned the personal use of campaign funds, prohibited officials from receiving gifts from lobbyists, curtailed fundraising on state property, outlawed Springfield fundraisers during legislative session and put every campaign donation over $150 on the Internet. A second law I passed banned fundraising from those a person regulates.
Currently pending is HB 1 which has passed the House and is now held hostage by Senate President Emil Jones - even though 46 of 59 senators have signed on as sponsors. HB 1 is aimed at Gov. Blagojevich's "pay to play" politics and prohibits a state vendor which receives over $25,000 in contracts from making political contributions.
One cannot legislate morality. However, the General Assembly has continued to take steps toward a better Illinois government. Fortunately too, we have been flanked by an outstanding U.S. Attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald.
The incidents cited in the Fence Post letter were before my bills passed. Some of us are trying to clean up Illinois government!!
Kirk W. Dillard
Republican Whip
Illinois State Senate
Hinsdale