Gov promises lobbying reforms to end ‘old way of doing politics’
Vowing to help lift the cloud of pay-toplay politics over Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday told Cook County Democrats that he plans to return to Springfield next week to help craft legislation that would shed more light on lobbyists as the first in “a series of ethics reforms that are frankly long overdue.”
Expressing his anger over corruption has become a recurring theme for the rookie governor as a sprawling federal investigation ensnares state legislators, aldermen and county officials. After general vows to help “root” out illegal activity, Pritzker on Tuesday pledged to take the first step in next week’s fall veto session.
“I am furious watching public officials — some from our own party — betray the public trust,” the governor said, according to prepared remarks. “I am disgusted that some people in politics seem to think that the old way of doing politics is the right way of doing politics.”
Pritzker spoke at a Cook County Democratic Party dinner at the Hilton Chicago hotel, where he accepted a “Party Leadership Award,” thanked committeemen for helping him get elected, touted his accomplishments and hinted at the first steps he plans to take in Springfield.
“We are going to start with greater disclosure of lobbying efforts so that elected officials and voters will have a better look at all of the interests working to influence legislation,” the governor said in his prepared speech. “It’s a small start but an important one, and my hope is that it will begin the bipartisan, bicameral work needed to construct and pass more comprehensive ethics legislation in the 2020 legislative session.”
Pritzker did not elaborate about his ethics proposal. And the governor’s office declined to provide any additional details.