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.
Senate Republicans say 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.
IDHS Announces Choate Layoffs and Patient Transfers
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced plans to significantly reduce operations and staffing at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.
Under the plan, Choate’s general residential units serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will cease operations by September 30, 2026. IDHS will also phase out all 75 civil mental health beds at the facility, stating in a letter to Choate staff that “the need for mental health beds is greater in Northern Illinois.” The reduction is expected to be completed by March 2027, with civil mental health capacity instead being added at Madden Mental Health Center in Chicago.
The announcement comes less than two months after the Pritzker Administration revealed that Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln will eventually close and be replaced by a new women’s correctional facility in the Chicago suburbs. Construction of the replacement facility is expected to take approximately five years.
State Senator Sally Turner says the Administration’s repeated decisions to move state services and employers away from downstate communities are costing the region valuable jobs and creating uncertainty for employees and their families. In the case of Choate, the changes will also disrupt the lives of vulnerable residents and patients who will be relocated from the facility, in some cases all the way to Chicago.
Choate’s 40-bed forensic developmental disabilities unit will remain in operation.
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.
State Senator Sally Turner says small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy and play a critical role in creating jobs and supporting local communities. She says the report underscores the importance of policies that encourage investment and create an environment where small businesses can grow and succeed.
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.
Illinois Food Producers Invited to Participate in First-Ever Illinois Product Expo in Chicago
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging food and agricultural businesses to showcase their products at the inaugural Illinois Product Expo – Chicago, taking place on October 16 and 17 at the Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum in Chicago.
The two-day event is expected to attract more than 5,000 attendees and feature over 70 Illinois vendors, giving businesses a chance to connect directly with consumers, build brand recognition in the Chicago market, introduce new products, and reconnect with existing customers.
All participating vendors will provide product samples. Booth amenities, on-site load-in assistance, and parking options will be available.
Businesses interested in participating can find additional information and complete the vendor application at https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/tradeshows/illinoisproductsexpo.html. Applications and promotional materials must be submitted by July 31, 2026.