Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) called on House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) on Tuesday to commit to hiring a legislative inspector general to assure the enforcement of a sexual harassment bill.
“Mr. Speaker, will you commit today to putting some teeth behind the office of the legislator inspector general and whatever power and means you have at your disposal to get somebody appointed to that?” Wehrli asked during a House committee hearing on allegedly widespread and longstanding sexual harassment at the Capitol.
Madigan gave his assurance that he would hire for the post.
Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville)
SB402, which Madigan introduced to the House, would require state legislators, staffers and lobbyists to go through sexual harassment training on an annual basis.
Wehrli's request came after legislative activist Denise Rotheimer accused Majority Caucus Whip Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) of sexually harassing her earlier in her career.
“We heard some testimony today that was rather chilling,” Wherli said. “Sexual harassment and ethical violations are not partisan and should not have to be a four-four split on that commission. That office should be filled.”
All 12 committee members approved of the measure.
“The new amendment establishes all members of government as well as lobbyists to maintain sexual harassment polices and requires elected officials, staff and lobbyists undergo a comprehensive sexual harassment training,” Madigan said.
Madigan also said he would also put together a sexual harassment task force.
“It will be charged with conducting a comprehensive review of legal and social consequences of sexual discrimination and harassment in both the public and private sectors and in making recommendations to the General Assembly, with input from all stakeholders,” Madigan said.
Wherli recommended the task force be made up of individuals that will not fear retaliation when enforcing the policy.
“There has been broad recognition that there is an inherent conflict of interest to have any legislative caucus leaders following up on these type of complaints,” Wherli said. “My idea for the task force is that we have a constitutional office inspector general and we have a General Assembly inspector general.
“So, if somebody isn’t comfortable going to the General Assembly legislative inspector they can go to the governor inspector general, and they, too, have the same tools at their disposal to investigate."
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