SE Illinois News

Republican state House hopeful David Friess is convinced Springfield is in need of a complete overhaul.

“For some elected officials, it appears that corruption has become the acceptable means to get things done in Springfield,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “It is time to end this corruption and kick out those who are allowing it to flourish.”

A new University of Illinois at Chicago study finds that the state’s culture of corruption annually costs taxpayers in the neighborhood of $556 million. Researchers also noted Illinois ranks as the second-most corrupt state in the country (behind Louisiana) and Chicago is the most corrupt city in the U.S., all of which goes a long way in crippling the state’s chances for economic growth.

Over the last two decades, researchers also found the state’s corruption price-tag easily tops $10 billion, or around $830 per resident.

This year alone, at least four state lawmakers have been indicted on corruption charges, adding to the state’s long and sordid political history that includes four governors having been sentenced to prison over the last five decades. Presently, longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan finds himself cast as a central figure in the ongoing federal probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme.

“The fact that a new study shows corruption cost the state $556 million last year and nearly $11 billion since 2000 is just another indication that corruption has become commonplace in Springfield,” said Friess, who is running against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District. “To end this vicious cycle, I believe we must have true ethics reform in Springfield. For example, members of the General Assembly should be prohibited from working as lobbyists while they are an elected official.”

Friess said he also supports legislation that would require state lawmakers and heads of state agencies to have to wait at least two years after leaving those positions before they can become lobbyists. He is also in favor of term-limits on leadership positions.

“The power Madigan has amassed being speaker of the House for decades invites corruption,” he said. “I will never vote for Speaker Madigan and will work against him if elected.”