Opinion

Sign bill putting an end to pay-to-play

Posted July 20, 2008 11:00 pm

Gov. Rod Blagojevich should sign House Bill 824 into law. Business entities with aggregate state contracts or pending state bids of more than $50,000 will be prohibited by this law from making campaign contributions to political committees to promote the candidacy of officeholders in the executive branch of Illinois government. When the governor signs this bill he will show his commitment to eliminating pay-to-play in Illinois government.

While the Illinois League of Women Voters strongly believes that additional changes are needed in the state's campaign finance laws, HB824 is an excellent first step. Although no legislation can guarantee this, enactment of HB824 can help restore public confidence in the integrity of Illinois' state government. This bill, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2009, is a major step in the right direction to cure some of the campaign finance problems that exist in Illinois. The governor's signature on this bill would be very meaningful.

We deserve fair and honest government. Make your voice heard - send the governor a letter or an e-mail, or call his office and tell him to sign HB 824.

Jan Kay

President

Roberta Jacobson

Action Chair

Wheaton Illinois League of Women Voters

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