What a Perfect Time to Sign Ethics Legislation, Right?

Before leaving town two weeks ago legislators sent a bill to the governor that has been years in the making. I’m referring to the legislation that has been batted back and forth between the House and Senate which would ban ‘pay-to-play’ campaign contributions.

House Bill 824 bans campaign contributions from contractors doing $50,000 a year or more in business with the state. It seems pretty straight forward, and although it may not cure all the problems, it is definitely a step in the right direction. In reality, we really shouldn’t even need to create legislation like this. Most individual’s moral standards would tell them the perception of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, and then doling out millions of dollars in state contracts to that contributors company is something that should just be avoided. But here in Illinois, where we have been plagued by corruption, all ethical measures need to be firmly written into law.

So HB 824 is now sitting on the Governors desk, most would think he would immediately act to scribble his name on the thing and make it official (especially after the recent verdict in political fundraiser Tony Rezko’s trial). Not the case for this administration, the Governor has said he feels he can “improve” the bill. Usually when this Governor goes around “improving” legislation, the final result ends up causing a major ruckus. The good news is the measure passed with such overwhelming support any attempted veto (or improvement if you prefer to call it that) should easily be overridden. The bad news, as we wait for the Governor’s action ‘pay-to-play’ can continue to thrive in this state, and Illinois citizens are left without common sense ethical reforms.

Only in Chicago

I spoke about this issue a few weeks ago and I thought you’d like a little update on how it has progressed. What I am referring to is Chicago Ald. Richard Mell’s ordinance to provide a one month amnesty period for those who forgot to reregister their firearms every year, as required by the city of Chicago. As most know, it is illegal to own guns in the city, unless you possessed and had that firearm registered in Chicago before the law was put in place. Ald. Mell had a memory lapse and realized he had not reregistered his guns as required by law, so he felt the easiest way to take care of this was by passing an ordinance that would grant those with a faulty memory a one month amnesty period. The chairman of the committee debating Mell’s ordinance said the wording included in the proposal seemed to be “tailor made for an individual.” He went on to say that it was unfair and there were numerous citizens, such as retired police officers, who also have been hampered by the registration process. So Mell’s ordinance was altered to provide a four month window of amnesty. In the end the Alderman will be able to reregister his guns and numerous other individuals will be able to reregister their guns, but the ordinary citizens just looking to purchase a firearm to protect their home still will not be able to own a gun in the city. Only in Chicago.

Save Pontiac Prison Signs Available

We have “Save Pontiac Prison” signs available in my district office for anyone who would like to show their support by displaying one in their front yard. Just stop by 104 West Lincoln Avenue, Onarga, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday to pick up your sign. Any and all support is welcomed.