State Sen. Sue Rezin | Contributed photo
State Sen. Sue Rezin | Contributed photo
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is determined to give voice to the masses in the never-ending battle to change the tenor in Springfield.
“Every week there’s a story about corruption in Springfield and people are concerned,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times. “People want change and I’m hoping to be able to help the get the representation they need and deserve."
Rezin is one of several GOP lawmakers to now urge voters to sign a petition demanding that a series of anti-corruption bills be granted a public hearing before the full General Assembly. Among the proposals being touted is Senate Bill 4012, which would allow the attorney general the authority to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate, indict and prosecute bribery and misconduct by members of the legislature. Another measure, SB 4014, would pave the way for the legislative inspector general to be able investigate to members of the legislature without having to seek approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission.
“Signing this petition will give people that voice,” Rezin added. “We’ve had these bills to be heard for a while and every year they’re denied a debate and vote. This will show the powers in Springfield that these measures are significant and they’re what the people truly want. At this point, for them not to respond would mean they have to answer the question of why they would not be working to improve ethics at a time like this when are problems are so clear."
Currently, longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan finds himself at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme in which all the perks are reported to have been steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.
Rezin argues Madigan may need to go for real reform to finally hit Springfield.
“He makes decisions as speaker regarding what bills are called and debated in committee,” she said. “If he does not want a bill heard, he will not call it. That’s the problem. He controls everything and that doesn’t allow us to have a democracy.”
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