THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE INSPECTOR GENERALS SAY HER OFFICE NEEDS MORE AUTONOMY TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

CURRENT INSPECTOR GENERAL CAROL POPE SAYS SHE HAS TO GET APPROVAL FROM THE LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION TO PROCEED WITH CASES, NOTING HER OFFICE IS SUPPOSED TO BE INDEPENDENT.

SHE SAYS THAT PROCESS ALSO POSES A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY.

POPE ALSO SAYS SHE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO GET APPROVAL FROM THE L-E-C TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS. HER COMMENTS WERE MADE DURING THIS WEEK’S HEARING OF A COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT ETHICS REFORM.