ROCKFORD, Ill. – After years of leadership and advocacy on issues related to state ethics, state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, has been named chairperson of the state’s Legislative Ethics Commission.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Legislative Ethics Commission, and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this is an effective commission that addresses situations in a timely, transparent and fair manner,” West said. “In recent years, Illinoisans have had their trust in state government shaken by bad actors. As we work to strengthen ethical guidelines and create a better government, I view this commission as an integral institution for restoring that trust.”
The bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission is comprised of eight commissioners, with two members appointed by each caucus leader in the House and Senate. The commission is charged with conducting administrative hearings and ruling on matters brought to it by the Legislative Inspector General, as well as developing ethics training materials for General Assembly members and employees. The commission is also responsible for appointing special Legislative Inspectors General as necessary, and can impose fines if warranted.
Already a member of the commission, West earlier this year spearheaded efforts in the Illinois House to appoint Michael McCuskey to the Legislative Inspector General role.
“We have taken significant steps this year to address ethical challenges in Illinois, and appointing Inspector General McCuskey brought forward an experienced, trusted voice,” West said. “I look forward to working with Inspector General McCuskey as we tackle ongoing and future ethical challenges that face the General Assembly.”