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State Week: Amid Calls For Ethics Crackdown, Are Lawmakers Aiming At The Right Targets?

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Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois

Democrats and Republicans are calling for an ethics crackdown in the wake of now-former state Rep. Luis Arroyo being charged with bribery.

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin led his Republican collegues in promoting a ethics package targeting lawmakers: more detailed financial disclosures, special elections to fill vacancies rather than leaving it to party bosses, and prohibitions on public officials also working as lobbyists. Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to crack down on lobbyists, requiring them to disclose how much they're getting paid, even though it’s a legislator accused of bribery.

The panel also previews some of the legislation expected to come up next week in the Capitol, as lawmakers finish their final three days of session scheduled this year. That includes a $100 cap on the price of insulin, letting college athletes make money from endorsements, and possible pushing through casino and real estate tax law changes sought by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Sean Crawford hosts with regular panelists Charlie Wheeler and Brian Mackey, and guest Jamie Munks of the Chicago Tribune.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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