Illinois Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has put forth proposal that would amend the state’s constitution and enact some of the nation’s toughest ethics laws.
The Illinois Democrat says the amendment will give Illinois voters the power to directly implement stronger ethics laws and recall elected officials. Currently, voters can only propose by popular initiative amendments to the Illinois constitution that deal with structure and procedure of the General Assembly.
The proposed amendment allows voters to directly impact ethics laws. The measure is currently sponsored by state Senator Annazette Collins, a Chicago Democrat.
Mr. Quinn says voters deserve the power to recall any elected official and enact ethical standards by referendum.
Mr. Quinn, who replace disgraced ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich, has made ethics reform a major issue for his administration. In his bid for re-election, the Illinois Democrat often focused on the issue, telling supporters he would push to enact major reforms.
