Rock Island Today

Representative Dan Swanson recently issued a Capitol News Update on March 15, addressing important issues such as ethics reform and protecting jobs for workers with disabilities in Illinois. In light of Ethics Awareness Month, Swanson emphasized the need to combat corruption in government, particularly in the wake of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's federal indictment. Swanson highlighted the introduction of House Bill 4119 by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, which aims to prohibit elected officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, a practice that was notably employed by Madigan.

Swanson expressed concern over the prevalence of corruption scandals and the importance of implementing ethics reform measures, stating, "House Republicans have been filing common sense ethics reform bills for years, only to have them ignored, even while more and more corruption scandals come to light." He stressed the urgency of cleaning up the state government to prevent further officials from facing corruption charges.

In addition to ethics reform, Swanson addressed the potential impact of House Bill 793 on workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He echoed the sentiments of Rep. Charlie Meier, emphasizing the need to prioritize job opportunities for these individuals. Swanson highlighted the potential loss of over 3500 jobs for workers with disabilities if the bill were to pass, underscoring the importance of making changes to support these vulnerable communities.

Regarding the state's revenue, Swanson referenced a recent report from the Department of Revenue indicating an increase in overall revenue in February, driven primarily by personal and corporate income tax payments. However, Swanson cautioned that the state's budget outlook is heavily reliant on job creation and payroll growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable revenue sources.

Swanson's update also touched on various other news items, including the lineup for the Illinois State Fair, calls for landowners to participate in historic soil analysis, legislative efforts targeting human trafficking, and recognition of local farmers for their contributions to agriculture.

As the legislative session progresses, Swanson remains committed to advocating for ethics reform and supporting workers with disabilities, underscoring the importance of creating opportunities and maintaining job security for all Illinois residents.