State Representative Patrick Windhorst, the House Republican Spokesman on the House Ethics & Elections Committee, issued the following statement after the Legislative Ethics Commission released the Legislative Inspector General’s report into sexual harassment allegations involving former State Rep. Harry Benton.
“Public service is a privilege, and every legislator must be held to the highest ethical standards. The Legislative Ethics Commission’s report makes clear that the conduct of former Rep. Harry Benton was unacceptable and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House.
“This report also raises serious questions about Speaker Welch’s leadership and his handling of these allegations. According to reporting, Speaker Welch’s office was aware of allegations against Benton as far back as 2023, yet meaningful action did not occur until years later. That is unacceptable.
“I am reiterating my numerous previous demands for immediate ethics reform. House Republicans have repeatedly introduced reforms to strengthen accountability and discourage bad behavior, including giving the Legislative Inspector General subpoena power and ensuring legislators cannot unduly influence investigations involving their own colleagues.
“Every staff member deserves assurance that when they report misconduct, their complaint will be taken seriously and handled fairly and timely. It is my opinion after reading the Legislative Ethics Commission’s report and the results of the Legislative Inspector General’s investigation that leadership failed staff in this regard. Illinois government must do better
