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 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.
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 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 This material may not be published,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.
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