IGPA Compiles Ideas on Government Reform for Commission, Legislature

From the Institute of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Illinois

URBANA – Government reform and ethics are key issues currently on the agenda in Illinois. Governor Quinn has appointed the Illinois Reform Commission, and President Cullerton and Speaker Madigan have formed a joint-committee in the General Assembly to examine these issues.

To assist in these discussions, researchers from the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs have developed a “white paper” that examines five components of reform: campaign financing, redistricting, term limits, direct democracy (referendum, initiative and recall), and political culture. These articles examine the success of reform efforts in other states and potential options for Illinois policy makers to consider.

The paper, titled “Challenges and Opportunities on the Road to Reform in Illinois,” was presented to the Illinois Reform Commission at its hearing in Peoria on Monday and is being delivered to the General Assembly today, said Robert F. Rich, director of IGPA. (Download the paper here [PDF].)

“The issues examined in this report are central to any discussion about reforming government,” Rich said. “The role of money in politics, the role of politics in decisions about political boundaries, and the input of the public must be thoroughly considered before decisions are made.

“We hope that this white paper can help inform the current discussions,” he said.

IGPA Senior Fellow James Nowlan examines the redistricting process in Illinois and compares it to other states; former state Senator Richard J. Winkel Jr., now director of IGPA’s Office of Public Leadership, looks at the political culture in the state and how Illinois has dealt with its scandals; political scientist Kent Redfield examines campaign financing in Illinois and looks at how the state might fare with more regulation; and political scientist Christopher Mooney explores whether term limits for constitutional officers or the legislature might work in Illinois, as well as whether citizen-sponsored referenda, initiatives, and recall have achieved any traction or, in the case of recall, whether it might be effective in the state.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar, a distinguished fellow at IGPA since 1999, adds some personal observations about Illinois government in an Epilogue. He challenges the political parties in the state to take responsibility for the qualifications and character of candidates they put forth, and he challenges Illinois voters to take responsibility to be educated about candidates and issues.

The white paper is available to download at the IGPA website, www.igpa.uillinois.edu.