Miller’s Fighting to Hold Democrats Accountable for Ethic Violations
HINDSBORO, IL… State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) is calling for stronger ethics standards and greater accountability in the Illinois House following reports that Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office delayed responding to harassment allegations against former State Representative Harry Benton. The reports come as State Representative Carol Ammons faces a federal indictment on charges including wire fraud and obstruction.
“The people of Illinois deserve a government that holds elected officials accountable, regardless of their political party,” said Miller. “When ethics complaints are not addressed promptly and serious allegations continue to surface, it undermines the public’s trust in state government. Speaker Welch is using a page out of the old Mike Madigan playbook, and Illinoisans deserve better.”
The Chicago Tribune reported Speaker Chris Welch’s office delayed taking action after a former staffer reported harassment allegations against then-Rep. Harry Benton in 2023. The former staffer told the newspaper Benton was not disciplined after the complaints were made.
State Rep. Carol Ammons is under federal indictment for allegedly using her position to direct hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants to organizations connected to her family and that she participated in schemes involving campaign contributions and nonprofit funds.
Miller said the two cases demonstrate the need for stronger ethics enforcement and greater transparency in Springfield.
“Illinois has seen too many ethics scandals over the years,” Miller said. “Public officials should be held to the highest standard, and legislative leaders have a responsibility to ensure allegations are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Illinois taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and a government they can trust.”
State Representative Chris Miller joined House Republicans in signing a petition to establish a special investigating committee into Rep. Carol Ammons.
For more information, please contact Rep. Miller’s office at (217) 508-4108
Representative Chris Miller serves the constituents of Illinois’ 101st House District that includes parts of Coles County, including portions of Champaign, Douglas, and Vermilion Counties along the I-57 corridor.
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