If Speaker Welch were serious about reform, he would have created a bipartisan working group committed to meaningful change. Instead, he appointed an all-Democratic panel, shutting Republicans out of a conversation that should transcend party politics. A working group made up solely of members of the Speaker's own caucus raises legitimate questions about whether this is an effort to produce accountability or simply manage political fallout.
Even Democrats have expressed doubts. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy criticized the process, saying her questions about the group went unanswered and adding:
"I'm disappointed, as I believe a working group on this topic could be necessary and important. But we have a responsibility to victims and survivors to ensure any such body is credible and effective, and I currently do not have confidence it will be."
When members of the Speaker's own party question the credibility of the effort, it is clear this working group falls short of the meaningful reform Illinoisans deserve.
House Republicans have consistently called for real ethics reforms, including making Legislative Inspector General reports public within 60 days of completion, prohibiting lawmakers from using campaign funds for criminal defense, and suspending pension benefits for public officials charged with felonies connected to their public office.
Illinois doesn't need another political working group. It needs real accountability and meaningful reform.