NW Illinois News

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House Minority Leader Tony McCombie presented a proposal for ethics reform in the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee today, calling for support on House Bill 4119. The bill aims to prevent elected officials from using campaign funds for legal defense. McCombie emphasized the urgency of the measure, highlighting the need for progress in the state's ethical standards during Ethics Awareness Month.

McCombie expressed frustration over the lack of significant ethics reform in recent years, stating, "We have not passed any ethics legislation this General Assembly and I would argue any significant ethics reform since I was elected in 2017." He emphasized the importance of taking action, adding, "This is not acceptable, and it is our responsibility that a lack of action does not continue."

Referring to the prevalence of corruption trials involving elected officials, McCombie urged for immediate action on HB4119 and other ethics reform proposals, stating, "We have watched investigations, arrests, trials, and convictions come and go for decades, and this chamber has an opportunity to be the leaders on this topic."

House Bill 4119 is specifically designed to address criminal offenses, civil misconduct, discrimination, and harassment. The bill targets a loophole that has allowed individuals like former Speaker Mike Madigan to use campaign funds for legal fees related to federal charges.

The status of HB4119 can be tracked on the Illinois General Assembly website.