Springfield, IL… After the Illinois Senate failed to pass a constitutional amendment to allow citizens to recall elected officials, State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) said he is disappointed the Senate ignored the wishes of Illinois residents.
“With a $3.5 billion backlog of unpaid bills to healthcare providers and $52 billion in unfunded pension liability, clearly the state is being managed in chaos,” said Leitch. “And yet the governor continues to expand programs without General Assembly authority and continues to add more debt. Many citizens want the chance to do something.”
The amendment, which was defeated by 3 votes, would have allowed a California style petition process to recall elected officials. Leitch said the House had a Sunday deadline to pass constitutional amendments in order to appear on the November 7 election ballot.
“An overwhelming majority of citizens are unhappy with the way the state is being mismanaged, and want the option to recall officials,” said Leitch. “The House members were willing to stay in Springfield over the weekend to consider the measure.”
The Illinois Constitution does provide the power to impeach elected officials.