The Illinois House passed parts of ethic legislation late last week, but House Republicans wanted more than what was passed. Among the bills that were pushed through include SB1639 and House Joint Resolution 93. 

SB1639 will create a searchable database that allows taxpayers to cross-reference information about lobbyists, clients, campaign contributions, interaction with legislators and statements of economic interest. House Joint Resolution 93 creates a “Blue Ribbon Commission” on ethics and lobbying reform. Representative Avery Bourne says that it is not enough. 

Bourne says that she doesn’t want to go back to her constituents with half a bill, which is what she feels this is.

Bourne also chairs the legislative ethics committees saying that she is frustrated that ethics reform suggestions aren’t going through Carol Pope who is the Legislative Inspector General.

The “Blue Ribbon Commission” legislation did not produce a report until after the March 2020 primary election.