Rep. Friess released the following statement on the need for immediate ethics reform in Springfield:
“If we are going to create a corruption-free environment in Springfield, we have to work together to make that happen. As long as corruption is present in our system, we cannot meet the needs of the people we represent to our fullest ability, and that is NOT acceptable. As legislators, we are here to fight for what’s best for the people we represent. As long as corruption stands in the way of that, I will do everything in my power to stand against it.
This past week, we passed HB0351, which is an encouraging step in the right direction. This legislation dictates that a person convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime for an offense committed while he or she was serving as a public official in the state is ineligible to hold any local public office unless the person’s conviction is reversed.
We need to pass more legislation like HB0351. I will support any bills that help lessen the corruption prevalent in Springfield.”