Garrett to introduce ethics bill

As legislators begin the Summer recess from session, it is important that we reflect on what we've done and what we need to get done next Fall. I like to take the opportunity of time away from Springfield to really brainstorm on how I can introduce more effective, more sweeping, and more thoughtful legislation during the next General Assembly. The Des Plaines Journal spoke with me about ethics legislation I plan on introducing next Fall. The full article is posted below. Your comments, as always, are welcomed.



Garrett to introduce ethics bill
In the wake political fundraiser Tony Rezko’s conviction last week on 16 counts of government corruption, Ill. State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29th) told the Journal she plans on introducing sweeping ethics reform legislation when the state legislature re-convenes next fall.

“I don't think anyone is proud of our government at this moment. The real question is how can we prevent future Rezkos?” said Garrett.

In an earlier press conference last week before the conviction Garrett told reporters she would introduce legislation to overhaul the Ill. Compensation Review Board that sets pay for lawmakers. She said the review board members needed to be better vetted and disqualified for conflicts of interest. Garrett has been down this reform road before. In 2003 Garrett saw her ethics reform legislation made law.

“I believe there should be zero tolerance in the Illinois General Assembly and the State of Illinois for these types of corrupt, self-dealing schemes,” said Garrett.
“Personally and professionally, I feel deceived. In 2003, I sponsored the most sweeping and comprehensive ethics bill for government officials and employees in the history of the General Assembly, and this is what we have to show for it.”

Garrett said she is seeking constituent feedback and will formulate legislation during the legislature’s break. Prosecutors said Rezko hand picked people to serve on state boards. Through these boards state contracts were then alleged to have been awarded to contributors to Rod Blagojevich’s campaign for governor. Garrett said the governor and top legislative leaders appoint members of state boards and commissions with no real vetting process. She said legislators are given a list of appointees the same day they vote for them on the floor of the legislature.

“There must be a vetting process so the Rezko’s and Stewart Levine’s can’t influence the process,” said Garrett.

Garrett said she has received a lot of constituent feed back on the issue since Rezko’s conviction last week. Rezko said he would appeal his conviction but would begin serving his sentence immediately. Gov. Blagojevich has not been charged with any wrongdoing.