Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois state Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) is of the opinion that drastic measures must be taken in order to remove the cloud of corruption hanging over the state capital.

That’s why, despite some reservations, Grant is willing to consider legislation being proposed by state Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) that would require all state lawmakers to wear body cameras while conducting government business.

“We have to discuss the idea a little bit more,” she told the DuPage Policy Journal. “You have to ask who’s going to enforce this and what qualifies as government business. But you have to applaud [Cabello] for trying, and we have to continue to do that. We certainly can’t just throw in the towel.”

Illinois state Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park)

House Bill 4406 was originally proposed by Cabello last year as HB 3447. The veteran lawmaker is promoting his new version as his answer to multiple scandals engulfing Springfield, which over the last several months has led to two longtime legislators being forced to step down amid allegations of bribery and kickbacks. Former state Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago), who served in the 3rd District from 2006 to 2019, has already formally been charged with bribery for allegedly attempting to pay off a sitting state senator in exchange for a favorable vote on a gambling measure.

Under the guidelines of Cabello’s bill, lawmakers found in violation would be subject to fines.

“During the last veto session, many Republicans had written ethics reform bills but Democrats chose to address [the issue] by just convening another task force that will conveniently report back after the primary," Grant said. "But no matter what, we Republicans have to keep pushing for what we know is right.”