Kay Supports Ethics Reform: Hoffman Opposes

September 12, 2008 - State representative candidate Dwight Kay commended the legislature for passing ethics reform seeking to end pay-to-play politics.  The legislation was HB 824 which passed overwhelmingly this week with 110 legislators voting yes and three legislators voting against ethics reform.  Jay Hoffman was one of three Democrats to vote against ethics legislation.

“I commend the bi-partisan support in the Illinois House for having the courage to put Illinois one step closer to end the culture of corruption,” said Kay.  “I encourage the Illinois Senate to pass this ethics bill immediately.  It’s not fair for the taxpayers to wait any longer; the cost of corruption is hurting our state.”

HB 824 would ban state contractors who obtain state contracts of $50,000 or more from donating to both statewide candidates and current statewide officeholders.On April 27, 2008, the Chicago Tribune released a story on donations to Governor Blagojevich. 

According to the Tribune, of 235 donations to Governor Blagojevich, 175 donations came from individuals, businesses, and various other groups which benefited by obtaining either state contracts, board appointments, and policy decisions.

“It’s no wonder Jay Hoffman voted against the ethics bill, Mr. Hoffman is simply voting to protect the Governor so he can continue to raise money from state contractors,” said Kay.  “I have spoken to thousands of concerned citizens throughout the 112^th district; the cost of corruption is hurting their pocketbook.  The citizens of this district want more jobs, property tax relief, and they want ethics reform, not a game of monopoly where Jay Hoffman and the Governor bankrupt the state.”

The Senate has two weeks to approve HB 824 or else ethics reform will not become law.