By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have filed a number of bills they hope will give the public more information about potential conflicts of interest in the General Assembly.
Two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 2318 and House Bill 3895, would put restrictions on lawmakers’ ability to earn money from gambling interests.
“These gambling operations make a lot of money,” said state Rep. Allen Skillicorn, R-East Dundee. “It’s against the interests of the people if legislators are moonlighting for these gaming operations.”
Skillicorn said the catalyst for his bill was news that Senate Republican Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, was receiving a percentage of revenue from video gambling machines under a partnership with a major distributor of video gaming machines.
Brady’s spokesman reiterated his position when the issue initially came up.
“I am a strong supporter of the constitutional provision that allows for a citizen legislature, which benefits the residents of Illinois,” Brady said. “And while I do not want to lose focus on the criminal allegations surrounding other members of the General Assembly, I do believe the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform must engage in a comprehensive discussion on all outside income and employment. It should not be confined to, nor single out, one profession.”
While her legislation wouldn’t ban anyone from earning money in specific industries, state Rep. Margo McDermed’s bill would require more information from lawmakers on their statements of economic interest.
“Here are people making policy where they’re paying their mortgage, sending their kids to college,” she said, referencing the number of lawmakers who earn significant incomes as property tax appeal attorneys.
Should it become law, House Bill 3998 would require lawmakers to disclose more information on the firms that they work with in their businesses and require more information about how their spouse makes money.
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