Reform legislation fails to reform much

On May 31, the Democrats who control state government advanced another piece of campaign finance reform; HB 7, that does nothing more than codify the current practice. It's business as usual that promotes political coverage instead of real reform.

While the bill does offer some caps on campaign contributions, the watered down measure omits crucial reforms supported by Republicans, the media, the Illinois Reform Commission and good government groups across the state.

In particular, the bill fails to cap in-kind campaign contributions and sets sky high limits for certain committee transfers. It limits donations by calendar year instead of election cycle, giving incumbents an advantage and fails to implement real-time, year round transparent reporting.

In short, this measure will still allow powerful legislative leaders and party bosses like Speaker Madigan to maintain their majorities by providing enough loopholes for large amounts of cash to flow through.

So while there is widespread support for more stringent changes backed by Republicans and Democrats in House Bill 24, Speaker Madigan ironically chose to put on display the very reason necessitating reform in Illinois - the top heavy consolidation of power.

Mike Tryon

State Representative

64th District

Crystal Lake