Legislative Ethics Commission to Release Report in Former Democratic Lawmaker Investigation
On July 23, the bipartisan and bicameral Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to release its report regarding a complaint filed against former Democratic State Representative Harry Benton. The Legislative Ethics Commission consists of eight legislators, with two members each appointed by the President and Minority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Before the report is made public, state law requires both the complainant and the respondent to have an opportunity to review the report, suggest redactions to protect privacy, and submit written responses. The Commission expects that process to be completed and the report to be published by the end of July.
Senate Republicans have repeatedly called for stronger ethics laws that increase transparency, strengthen the independence of ethics investigations, and restore public confidence in state government.
Illinoisans deserve a government they can trust, and the forthcoming report is another reminder that Illinois must continue working to improve its ethics laws. Senate Republicans remain committed to advancing reforms that promote accountability, strengthen public trust, and ensure all public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.
House Special Investigating Committee Sets Hearing Following Ammons Indictment
The Illinois House Special Investigating Committee is scheduled to hold its first hearing on August 6 following the federal indictment of Democratic State Representative Carol Ammons.
Ammons faces 10 federal felony charges, including wire fraud, making false statements to federal investigators, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from allegations that she participated in a scheme involving campaign funds and state grants.
As of July 23, Ammons remained in office and was still listed as a Democratic member of the Illinois House representing the 103rd District.
Every Illinoisan should be able to expect honesty, integrity, and accountability from those elected to serve them and that Illinois cannot continue to accept ethics scandals as business as usual.
For years, Senate Republicans have pushed for stronger ethics laws aimed at addressing corruption and misconduct in state government. Those efforts have included proposals to strengthen bribery laws, close ethics loopholes, expand anti-corruption investigations, increase transparency, and prevent conflicts of interest.
ICASH Event Coming to Fox Lake This Week
We had great success at my ICASH event last week in McHenry. Several attendees walked away with claims filed for an estimated total of $150,000 in assets that were rightfully theirs. There was one $55,000 find, one for $50,000, one for about $7,000, one for roughly $6,000, several for around $5,000, and many more for several hundred dollars.
The ICASH team is coming back to the 32nd District this week for another event in Fox Lake. Stop by! You might just have something waiting to be claimed!
My upcoming outreach events include:
- July 28: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Fox Lake
- August 6: Barks & Brews Pet Adoption in Woodstock
- August 8: Document Shredding and Food Collection in Woodstock
- August 13: Property Tax Exemptions Seminar in McHenry
- August 25: IPASS on Demand Sticker Event in Lindenhurst
- September 10: IPASS on Demand Sticker Event in Woodstock
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
- October 25: Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Lake Zurich
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website or by contacting Abby from my events staff at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
New Laws Support Illinois Veterans and Service Members
Three new laws have been signed to better support Illinois veterans and service members by making it easier to return to college after military service, strengthening recruitment for the Illinois National Guard, and improving access to mental health resources for veterans.
The new laws include:
- SB 3737 – Ensures students returning from military leave can be readmitted to Illinois colleges and universities without unnecessary delays, helping them continue their education and work toward earning a degree.
- SB 3818 – Creates a peer referral program for the Illinois National Guard that encourages current Guard members to recruit qualified individuals, helping strengthen military readiness across the state.
- SB 3926 – Transfers the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health, providing greater administrative support as the council continues evaluating emerging treatments to help prevent veteran suicide.
All three laws take effect January 1, 2027.
New Report Highlights Challenges Facing Illinois Job Creators
A new report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) found that Illinois small business optimism continues to lag behind the national average, reflecting ongoing concerns about the state’s business climate.
According to the Illinois Small Business Economic Trends report, the state’s Small Business Optimism Index scored 97.3 during the winter of 2025-26, 1.2 points below the national average. While Illinois businesses reported stronger current inventory levels, they also experienced lower earnings and fewer job openings compared to businesses nationwide.
The report also found that taxes remain one of the top concerns for Illinois small business owners. More than 23% of respondents identified taxes as their single most important problem, compared to 17.3% nationally. Business owners also cited regulatory burdens and the cost of operating in Illinois as ongoing challenges.
Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy and play a critical role in creating jobs and supporting local communities. The report underscores the importance of policies that encourage investment and create an environment where small businesses can grow and succeed.