NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett
Majority Caucus Whip, 29th Senate District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002
Jessica Dixon 217-782-0392

General Assembly takes on Ethics Reform
Garrett appointed to the Joint Committee on Government Reform

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Majority Caucus Whip and State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) has been appointed by Illinois Senate President John Cullerton to the Joint Committee on Government Reform. Joining her will be Majority Leader James Clayborne, Senator Maggie Crotty and Senator William Delgado. A total of sixteen bipartisan, bicameral members will make up the Committee.

The Joint Committee will be comprised of both House and Senate members chosen by Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton. In the past, individual members of the caucus took on the task of creating an ethical reform. For the first time, a bipartisan, bicameral committee will meet to discuss a comprehensive government reform.
 
Senator Garrett has been a long standing proponent of ethical reform. She has sponsored numerous legislative acts dating back to 2003. She sponsored the Whistleblower Act as well as an act requiring state candidates to file statements of economic interest that disclose information about certain types of gifts received by immediate family members.

“Over the years, kick-backs and corruption have become business as usual in Illinois,” Garrett said. “This committee consists of a bipartisan group for the purpose of providing a means to an end. There has been a lack of real oversight in the past and I believe this committee will be the unified effort that has been so long overdue for Illinois government reform.”

The Joint Committee will convene to discuss four main topics, which include open government, outside influences, campaign reform and procurement issues.

“The committee intends to work with Governor Pat Quinn and his Illinois Reform Commission to develop legislation that prevents opportunities for recurrence of previous misdeeds,” said Senate President Cullerton. “We now have the chance to strengthen Illinois laws concerning the operation of state ethics commissions, procurement policy, whistleblower protections, revolving door prohibitions, and to safeguard pension funds.”

The hearings will begin on February 18 and continue through March 31 and will include seven hearings in total. Consideration of legislative proposals generated through the committee work will begin in April.  The Joint Committee is expected to meet weekly and additional meetings may be added to the schedule should the need arise.