Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly are calling for ethics reforms in the state’s legislature.  This comes on the back of multiple investigations relating to state representatives which are making headlines entering the final four months before election day.  State Representative Carol Ammons, a Democrat from Urbana, was charged on July 8 with misusing campaign funds and scheming to receive financial kickbacks.  Also this month, another representative from the same party, Harry Benton of Plainfield, resigned amid bipartisan pressure to do so.  He had been accused of sexual harassment and other unethical conduct.

State Senator Steve McClure, a Republican from Springfield, is among those calling for reforms.  He says without them, investigating ethics-based claims is more difficult to do. 

Senator McClure cites campaign financing as one example.  He believes sanctions for violating related laws are too lenient and says candidates in many instances can avoid fines merely by closing related accounts. 

Away from the Capitol, the state senator’s staffers are organizing several ICash events in conjunction with the State Treasurer’s office within his district.  Constituents can attend and find out if the state owes them money.  These events have happened in Taylorville and Carlinville this summer, with another in Sullivan to follow. 

Interested attendees can simply show up; no advance registration is required.

State Senator McClure also recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for events as part of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary.  He had the opportunity to view historical artifacts with deep connections to his district. 

More information on Senator Steve McClure is available at www.senatormcclure.com.

Senator Steve McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.