By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Since the last time the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform met, a major utility was ensnared in a bribery scandal that resulted in a $200 million fine and implicated House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). Also, yet another lawmaker – Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) has been indicted. Republicans on the commission say it’s well past time for another meeting.

“Ethics remains a top priority,” said State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), a co-chair of the commission, adding the pandemic is even more of a priority, considering the number of people who are ill, out of work, or have died. “We are certainly able to walk and chew gum, but the priority is making sure that our constituents remain safe.”

Sims reacted to a Republican news conference. “If we as a state government are to regain the public’s confidence, we need to root out corruption and enact serious reforms,” said State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). “We need a state government worthy of its citizens. A government whose elected representatives put public service above their own personal benefits.”

Sims said the commission will meet again “in the coming weeks.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].