CHICAGO— Co-Chairs State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. and State Representative Greg Harris have called the first hearing of the New Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform for Monday, December 23 at 10 a.m. in Room 16-503 of the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. At the hearing, the Joint Commission will discuss the framework including the rules, protocols, and future meetings.

During the recent veto session, the General Assembly passed legislation to form the Joint Commission for the purpose of recommending reforms to ethics laws after recent allegations concerning state and local officials and lobbyists.

Who: Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform

What: Hearing to establish Commission framework

When: 10:00 a.m., Monday, Dec. 23

Where: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph St., Chicago, Room 16-503

“I look forward to this bipartisan, bicameral discussion to address ethics issues at all levels of government,” Sims said. “Together we can find serious solutions to help make it clear to the public that their state leaders are being held to the highest standard of the law.”

“We need to rebuild trust with the people of Illinois, and this commission is a strong step in repairing that relationship,” Harris said. “It’s time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and show those who elected us that we can set aside politics and begin to find solutions.”