Morrison Releases Open and Honest "Government" Proposals

DEERFIELD, IL – On Tuesday, candidate for State Senate, Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), released her initial proposals to clean up state government and create a more transparent Springfield. 

“State government in Illinois has had a culture of backroom deals, secrecy, and cronyism.  Besides losing credibility with the taxpayers, it is also cost the state money.  As state senator, I will work across party lines to see that these wasteful practices stop.  Its time to institute real reforms that make our state government work for taxpayers again,” Morrison said. "Taxpayers want a more transparent Springfield.  Legislators need to be representing the interests of their district--not making sweetheart deals with future employers.” 

Julie Morrison is seeking to replace retiring state Senator Susan Garrett.  The 29th District will cover parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff.  Morrison is the current West Deerfield Township Supervisor.

Morrison’s “Open and Honest Government” proposals include:

• Instituting a one-year “cooling off period” in which former legislators cannot lobby state officials
• Displaying committee votes on the Illinois General Assembly Website (ILGA.gov)
• A ban on General Assembly members accepting payment for lobbying county and local governments
• Extending the General Assembly’s per diem requirement to 3 p.m.

“We owe it to our communities and districts to give constituents all the tools they need to hold elected officials accountable,” Morrison asked.  “Voters and tax payers need to hold their elected officials accountable for how they vote in committee and what they do to earn a per diem.  These reforms are simple, direct, and will end business as usual in Springfield.”