McLean County Times

Freshman state Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) has joined members of the Senate Republican Caucus in a push for better ethics reform through a new bill aimed at combatting public corruption.

Turner, who represents the 44th Senate District, is a member of the Senate Ethics Committee and has only served in the General Assembly for a year.

"I have unfortunately quickly learned that our state lacks the adequate protections against corruption in many areas. Whether it's a process of how the Legislative Inspector General is chosen or the constraints placed on those responsible for fighting corruption, such as in the Legislative Inspector General's Office, or the countless loopholes that may be manipulated for unethical purposes," Turner said during a Jan. 27 press conference. 

Turner is one of a dozen listed Republican senators who have signed on as co-sponsors to Senate Bill 3636 which builds upon the ethics reforms passed during the last legislative session.

"We're continuing the push from last year for strong, commonsense reforms that will truly root out corruption our state has become all too known for," Turner said. 

Senate Bill 3636 would make several changes dealing with lawmakers in lobbying, specifically placing a ban on any member of the General Assembly or their immediate family members from working as a lobbyist while in office. It would also make it illegal for a legislator to negotiate future employment with a lobbying firm while working in the legislature and prohibit any outgoing lawmakers from being employed as a lobbyist for a full year after leaving their elected position.

"Our legislation will finally implement real change that the people of Illinois have asked for and that they truly want," Turner said. "Our constituents are simply tired of waiting for change. We must act now. It's time for legislators who have promised to combat corruption to keep their word and to change the culture of politics in Illinois."

Senate Bill 3636 was filed on Jan. 19.

If it becomes law it would take effect right away.

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, it currently resides in the Senate Assignments Committee.