Kendall County Times

State Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) is among a growing number of Illinois lawmakers who are calling for ethics reforms.

In a May 10 Facebook post, Ugaste commented that current ethical statutes are not enough to keep corruption in check.

"While some politicians argue the laws currently on the books are enough to protect Illinois from corrupt politicians, it is obvious to just about everyone else, they are not," he said in the post.

Ten sitting or former state officials have been charged with public corruption-related activities, including longtime Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, who is awaiting trial on charges of racketeering, bribery, fraud and extortion; a recent post on the Caucus Blog said. In light of those cases, reforms such as tougher penalties for those who violate the public trust and banning members from being able to lobby while still in office have been sought by lawmakers including Ugaste.

"Illinois has the distinction of being one of the most corrupt states in the nation," the Blog said. "We need to take bold steps to change that moniker. First, those who breach the public trust need to pay dearly with the harshest of penalties. Second, members of the General Assembly should be banned from lobbying while they are in office. Third, the state should create a strong independent watchdog with subpoena powers to aid in their investigation. Finally, lawmakers should be prohibited from using campaign funds to pay legal fees."

The Caucus Blog also argued that Democrats have been slow to embrace the idea of ethical change, and that has prompted representatives like Ugaste to argue for ethics reform.

"We must replace Illinois’ culture of corruption with a different standard," the Blog said. "We need to cultivate a new culture where elected leaders are strongly committed to ethics, honesty and adherence to the law."