(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The head of a respected civic group says it’s time for Chicago and Illinois to adopt Campaign Finance Reforms that could also help reduce political corruption.
Alisa Kaplan, director of the group Reform For Illinois, is pushing for lobbying reforms in Illinois that could make it harder to engage in the corruption we're seeing in federal trial after trial. However, you need to elect candidates willing to vote for such reforms.
Mostly the rich and politically connected dominate the campaigns. Kaplan says some public campaign finance program is needed.
“In fact, Chicago is now the biggest city in America that doesn't have a program like this, and these programs have been successful in cities like New York – Washington, D.C. recently passed one.”
The idea is that small, individual political contributions would be matched and amplified by money from a public fund, to make it a big donation, allowing everyday people to have a voice, and more independent candidates to afford to campaign:
“In more recent years, people have become interested in the equity implications of these types of programs in addition to how they can reduce corruption because they help amplify the voices of people who otherwise would get drowned out by wealthy individuals and special interests.”
Alisa Kaplan says such programs are working in other cities and states.
She also says the state also needs to tighten up its laws and rules on lobbying. She says too many people can leave jobs as state lawmakers and almost immediately turn around and lobby former colleagues to pass, or vote against, legislation.
Kaplan acknowledged the Tribune even cited one lawmaker who was jailed for political corruption, who started a lobbying practice right after being behind bars.
“In general, we need stricter rules around lobbying that help keep that healthy dividing line between lawmakers and lobbyists,” she said.
“There's nothing wrong with being a lobbyist. Lobbying is protected by the first Amendment, it's very important in our democracy. But you want to have a healthy balance between the powers behind lobbyists and the decisions that lawmakers are making.”
Kaplan says tighter regulations have proven effective in bringing down ''opportunities'' for corruption in other states.
Public Corruption in Illinois and what to do about it is the subject of this week’s At Issue program, and you can hear more at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
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