SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – House Republicans have introduced legislation to curb ethics abuses by lawmakers just a day after a Democratic colleague was accused of bribery.
Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer of Dixon told reporters Tuesday that the GOP’s measures would prohibit sitting lawmakers from working as paid lobbyists in other levels of government and would require everyone in Illinois who functions as a lobbyist to register with state regulators.
Democratic Rep. Luis Arroyo was accused in federal court Monday of attempting to bribe a state senator to support legislation to allow slot-like “sweepstakes” games in Illinois. Arroyo is registered with the Chicago City Council as a lobbyist pushing the same issue.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said yesterday he would form a committee to study what changes need to be made to address the alleged Arroyo issues.
