Illinois Senate approves Blagojevich-endorsed package that restricts lawmakers

Tribune:

Less than 24 hours after approving major ethics legislation aimed at Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a package backed by the governor that would put some of the same restrictions on lawmakers.

Blagojevich and his chief legislative ally, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), said the legislation would close loopholes in the just-approved law that bans campaign donations to statewide officeholders from those who have or are seeking state contracts totaling more than $50,000. The Senate measure would extend the campaign-donation ban to lawmakers.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. James DeLeo (D-Chicago), includes a proposed ban on lawmakers holding other government jobs. Another provision would require lawmakers to vote on pay raises based on a yes-or-no vote. Currently lawmakers in both chambers must vote to reject a pay raise or it takes effect automatically.

Blagojevich immediately issued a statement urging the House to take up the legislation before the Nov. 4 election. "Members of the Senate have made it clear that they are ready to change the business-as-usual policies of state government and put the interests of the people first," he said.

I briefly followed the proceedings online in the state Senate. There were some great speeches to be had on the floor of the Senate. Of course some were humorous.