Kane County Reporter

After a former state lawmaker entered a guilty plea in a bribery scheme, State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) is asking constituents to complete a survey, offering their views on ethics reform in the statehouse. 

According to US News & World Report, former State Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, entered a guilty plea to bribery. If convicted, he could spend up to 20 years in prison, according to the publication. Keicher is co-sponsor of a bipartisan proposal to reform state government and tighten ethics laws, according to a release on his website. 

“Ethics reform is long overdue and we need to take action,” Keicher said in the news release. “Public trust in our state government and elected officials has justifiably eroded with every new revelation of corruption.”

The bipartisan proposal would hinder activities like the allegations facing Arroyo, who allegedly paid a $2,500 bribe to an unnamed state senator who was wearing a recording device, according to US News & World Report. After the incident in October 2019, he resigned from the House the next month. 

“I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support this week for our bill that will identify the specific reforms needed to hold every legislator accountable moving forward,” Keicher said of the proposal in the release. 

According to Keicher’s release, House Joint Resolution 87 would form a nine-member task force that would determine which areas of concern should be addressed. It also would review existing laws and determine best practices while offering potential legislative solutions.

“This should not be difficult, but it should be a priority,” Keicher said. “We cannot continue to allow corruption to cast a cloud over the Capitol.”

To get his finger on the pulse of voters, Keicher and House Republicans are seeking input in an online survey for feedback on how to reform ethics in Springfield, according to a social media post. 

The Republicans' Reimagine Illinois campaign intends to end corruption in the state and provide responsible leadership, according to the website, which includes a petition drive. 

According to Reimagine Illinois, the Republican group’s goal is a safe state free from senseless violence, creating a safe environment for children.