Illinois lawmakers call for ethics task force after news of Arroyo

Posted on October 28, 2019
Illinois Capitol
The Arroyo story came to light just as House Republicans – joined by one Democrat – held a news conference calling for an ethics task force in the legislature. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Any idea this would be a quiet veto session disappeared before the chambers even gaveled in, with news that yet another state lawmaker is in trouble with the law.

State Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) made a court appearance Monday morning, amid allegations he tried to bribe a state senator about a gambling bill. It turns out, authorities say, that senator was wearing a wire.

Federal investigators have been swirling about members of the legislature and other organizations connected to lawmakers. Most notably up to now, they raided the Springfield office and Chicago home of State Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago), then chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, accused of trying to get kickbacks from contractors.

House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) said while Arroyo’s lawyer said the lawmaker would resign as chair of a House appropriations committee, that’s not enough. He wants Arroyo to resign, or he’ll begin proceedings to kick him out. That’s in line with what House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) demanded in a news conference earlier in the day.

The Arroyo story came to light just as House Republicans – joined by one Democrat – held a news conference calling for an ethics task force in the legislature.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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