SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Members of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform sought input on what could have been done to prevent recent high-profile conflicts of interest and what more must be done to hold lawmakers accountable at a hearing Thursday.

“We’re here to make systemic change, close loopholes, and root out opportunities for corrupt behavior that have been identified in recent media reports and investigations,” said state Rep. Greg Harris, who co-chairs the commission. “Yesterday, the governor talked about restoring public trust and cleaning up government. He specifically talked about dealing with disclosures of conflicts of interest, revolving door laws, and limitations on lobbying. Looking around the room as the governor talked, I was happy to see he got a rousing ovation for these three items. From the House, from the Senate, from Democrats, from Republicans. That’s a very good sign for our work. But these proposals are only as good as their details, and it is our job to fill in those details.”

Brad Cole of the Illinois Municipal League and former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon encouraged members to update and improve the financial interest disclosures legislators are currently required to file. Cole reiterated the need for more complete lobbyist disclosures, including disclosure of lobbyists being paid to influence local governments. Aside from state government, only a handful of Illinois’ nearly 7,000 units of government have any kind of disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence decision-making by public officials.

“People deserve to know that their lawmakers are voting in their communities’ best interests, not in their own interest,” said Sen. Elgie Sims, co-chair of the commission. “We look forward to continuing to engage with experts and stakeholders in these critical discussions.”

SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday.

Leaders of the Black Caucus discussed key issues brought up by the governor’s address that specifically affect black communities throughout the state, including early childhood education, health care and criminal justice reform.

SPRINGFIELD – Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address on Wednesday with the following statement:

“Last year, the governor gave the General Assembly an extra push to get some big items done, and I look forward to building on such a successful session. I am particularly excited about investing in early childhood education and working to make college more affordable.”

“Education is a vital tool in lifting people out of poverty, and I am glad Governor Pritzker shares my commitment to the children of Illinois.”

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) recently announced a state grant that provides tax relief for several communities in his district.

“I am happy to announce several school districts in the South Suburbs will receive property tax relief,” Harris said. “I understand there are more communities that can benefit from this grant and that’s why I hope more schools take advantage of the funding opportunity.”

The Property Tax Relief Grant helps school districts with high tax rates relative to other school districts by giving them an opportunity to lower the property tax burden on local taxpayers with the state by replacing a portion of foregone tax revenue with state funds.

The amount the school districts receive will be included in future calculations of those districts.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham was named president pro tempore of the Illinois State Senate Tuesday by Senate President Don Harmon.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continuing serving in the Illinois Senate as a part of President Harmon’s leadership team,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This is an exciting new role for me and I look forward to the new challenges it brings.”

As Senate president pro tempore, Cunningham will serve as a trusted advisor to the Senate President and a senior member of his leadership team.

“We have a lot of work to do on behalf of the people of Illinois this spring,” Cunningham said. “I’m looking forward to working with President Harmon and my colleagues in the General Assembly to tackle the biggest issues facing our state, including reducing out of control property taxes and reforming our ethics laws to hold those in government accountable.”

Cunningham has represented Illinois’ 18th Senate District since 2013. Prior to joining the Senate, he also served in the Illinois House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD – Bringing a fresh perspective and extensive courtroom experience to a new challenge, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has been appointed to Chair of the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, the first woman in state history.

“I am elated to be chosen as the first woman to lead the chamber in this coveted position,” Crowe said. “I’m excited to get started improving fairness and accountability in the Illinois court system for all people and children in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) was thrilled to hear Gov. JB Pritzker’s plans to increase investments in the state’s education system during the State of the State address on Wednesday.

“The most important investment we can make is in our children’s education,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Increasing investments in child care and early childhood education will ensure that we are providing the best resources to help train the future leaders of our great state.”

The governor plans to build upon the historic investments that Bertino-Tarrant has supported to ensure schools are properly funded throughout the state.

In response to the governor’s emphasis on ethics reforms, Bertino-Tarrant agrees changes need to happen in Springfield to restore the public’s trust in elected officials.

“I work hard, and I’m dedicated to the people of Will County,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “The bad actors continue to make the rest of us look bad. I look forward to seeing the recommendations made by the bipartisan, bicameral ethics commission and am committed to supporting meaningful ethics reforms.”

The governor’s budget address is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon echoed Gov. JB Pritzker’s call for ethics reform in the wake of ongoing federal investigations.

In his State of the State address Wednesday, Pritzker said he wanted Illinois to adopt a revolving door prohibition to prevent elected officials from retiring one day and then immediately lobbying their former colleagues.

Harmon offered his support for the idea.

“I’ve long been troubled by the appearance of someone serving as a member of the General Assembly on Friday and becoming a lobbyist on Monday. That’s a problem and one we should tackle,” Harmon said. “You shouldn’t be a lawmaker one day and a lobbyist the next.”

Harmon also applauded Pritzker’s optimistic, positive tone to the speech, which was a marked contrast to the previous governor.