Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. John Curran (R-Lemont) recently congratulated Argonne National Laboratory on its 75th anniversary.

“My district is proud to be the home of Argonne Lab,” Curran said in a video posted to YouTube. “Over the years Argonne has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most important scientific labs. On the occasion of your 75th anniversary, allow me to be among the many who thank you for the work you do.”

Curran also extended a warm embrace to the company on behalf of all the residents of his 41st District.

“Because Argonne is one of the region's largest employers, you have a direct role in this area’s economic success by providing quality jobs to a workforce over 3,400," Curran said. "This valuable staff does critical work to advance nuclear energy solutions by tackling key challenges in the fields of science, energy, the environment and national security.”

Curran’s tribute didn’t end there.

“You have a distinguished history and I couldn’t be prouder that Argonne’s notable achievements have occurred in the 41st District,” he said. “Argonne continues to be a leader for making impactful innovations to our nation. It is a distinct pleasure to have Argonne National Labs in Illinois, and especially in 41st District.

Curran meanwhile, has also been busy pushing the ethics reform bill he recently introduced as “transformative, meaningful ethics reform.”

Curran crafted Senate Bill 1350 after Republicans largely rejected a bill introduced by Democrats as not going far enough to address ethics problems in Springfield.

"We stand here today to demand more and demand better of the general assembly," Curran said during a May 17 Senate Republican Caucus news conference. "While we appreciate and agree with many of the provisions SB4 put forth, there are several measures in SB4 we do not agree with."

Among its many changes, SB1350 would allow statewide grand juries for public corruption. The bill would also prevent lawmakers from lobbying for at least a year after they leave the legislature.

"We must unleash the resources of the attorney general's office in combating public corruption," said Curran, adding that he thinks the public is on the side of Republicans.

"The public does not understand why investigations cannot commence without the approval of legislators,” he said. ”It doesn't make sense to the public."