SPRINGFIELD - February 6, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement applauding Governor Pat Quinn for addressing key issues including pensions, ethics and firearms, in his 2013 State of the State address.
"The state of Illinois is at a critical juncture, and lawmakers will be asked to make many difficult decisions in the coming months. I applaud Governor Quinn for calling attention to the state's pension crisis and urging the General Assembly to work together on a solution. Reforming our state's pension systems will enable us to fund priorities like education, health care and social services.
"This spring the General Assembly will have the opportunity to improve the public's trust in government by passing new ethics measures. To help identify conflicts of interest, I have proposed a new financial disclosure form to show public servants' outside income and lobbyist relationships. I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to pass that bill and improve government transparency.
"I thank Governor Quinn for directing our attention to public safety, a matter that I am addressing through a Firearms Working Group. Today our diverse group of freshmen lawmakers held its first meeting with gun rights and anti-violence advocates. We will work to understand all perspectives on gun issues and help establish a common sense concealed carry law in Illinois to keep our communities safe."
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