Anti-corruption legislation filed in wake of Crundwell - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Anti-corruption legislation filed in wake of Crundwell

In the wake of a corruption scandal that shocked not only the City of Dixon, but the entire nation, State Representative Tom Demmer is filing an anti-corruption legislation package.

Former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell was sentenced on February 14 to 235 months in federal prison for stealing over $53 million from city over a period of 22 years. In response, Demmer, Dixon's state representative, filed a legislation package to put more accountability on government offices and increase penalties for forging state documents and stealing public funds.

Under House Bills 1561, 1562, and 1563, municipal and county officials will have to check state payments made to their municipalities and counties on a semi-annual basis. Two signatures will be required to open new bank accounts and there will be stronger penalties for forging state documents. Penalties will also escalate for official misconduct resulting in the illegal gain of property or money for personal use.

"We owe it to the good people of Illinois to put safeguards and double-checks in government offices and accounts. We must hold in high regard the trust people place in their government and work to earn that trust every day," Demmer said.