State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker presented his annual State of the State before members of the Illinois General Assembly today:
“Corruption is the root of Illinois’ problems, I was happy to hear that Governor Pritzker supports stronger ethics reforms such as legislation I co-sponsored that would ban lawmakers from serving as paid lobbyists. However, I was disappointed we didn’t hear anything about fair maps. The current process of drawing political maps to suit the politician instead of putting the choice in the people’s hands is corrupt. Our four fathers platted America using straight lines instead of drawing boundaries. Taking the redistricting process away from politicians goes hand in hand with much needed ethics reforms. The recent guilty plea by a member of the General Assembly should provide a sense of urgency for the legislature to approve these reforms. I hope House Democrats give us the opportunity to vote on stronger ethics reforms as soon as session reconvenes.”