Tuesday, February 14, 2012
 
sponsored by

Quinn proposes constitutional amendment allowing voters to pass ethics reforms

Send a link to a friend

[February 14, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is calling for the public to be given the power to enact ethics reforms without going through the Illinois Legislature, a constitutional change he's marketing as the "Lincoln Amendment."

The amendment would let Illinois voters put new ethics laws on the ballot for a statewide vote. The measures, which could apply to any branch of state or local government, might address legislative conflicts of interest, "pay to play" abuses in contracting, campaign funding and more.

"There is no greater force than everyday people banding together for a cause they believe in," Quinn said Sunday, Abraham Lincoln's 203rd birthday. "Our citizens must always have a role in keeping our government honest and ethical."

But ethics groups were cautious about endorsing the idea. Both the Better Government Association and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform said Monday that they want to review Quinn's proposal carefully before commenting.


If lawmakers support the Democratic governor's proposal this spring, the amendment could be on the ballot in November. Voter approval would then change the Illinois Constitution and open the door to referendums on new ethics laws.

To qualify for the ballot, supporters of a potential new law would need to collect signatures equal to 8 percent of the votes cast in the previous election for governor. Then the proposal would become law if it got the support of either three-fifths of the people voting on the question or a majority of people voting in the election overall.

Sen. Annazette Collins, D-Chicago, said she is sponsoring the amendment because it will let people "make sure their voices are heard loud and clear" -- particularly on honesty in government.

"It's no secret that Illinois has had our fair share of ethical challenges," Collins said.

[to top of second column]

Quinn's record of backing such populist measures stretches back decades. He was the leader of an amendment movement that cut the size of the Illinois House by one-third. Since becoming governor, he has been able to pass an amendment letting voters recall corrupt or inept governors, but a broader recall measure was blocked by legislators.

___

The legislation is SJRCA55.

___

Online: http://www.ilga.gov/

[Associated Press; By SHANNON MCFARLAND]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

< Top Stories index

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching and Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law and Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health and Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor