Despite the passage of various incremental reforms, Illinois has room for improvement in ensuring that state and local government is transparent, fiscally responsible, and ethical. Julie has pursued an ambitious course in introducing bills to disclose conflicts of interest among legislators and to ensure greater distance between lawmakers and lobbyists.
She has passed legislation requiring timely disclosure of independent campaign expenditures, making it easier for the public to find out who is really paying for political ads and commercials. She also passed a bill limiting the ability of a lame-duck governor to make long-term appointments.
To promote efficiency of local government and save taxpayer dollars, Julie has introduced plans to allow townships to dissolve or consolidate services.