* Press release…

State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, Chair of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus, released the following statement responding to the LIG report about harassment by former Rep. Harry Benton:

After reviewing the LIG report and related materials, I remain concerned about the culture of harassment that has persisted in Illinois state government for far too long. Questions still remain about how these allegations were addressed, and legislators and the public deserve a complete and transparent explanation from those involved.

Individual accountability is necessary, but it is not sufficient. The deeper failure here is structural, and it demands a structural response. The contemptible behavior of former Rep. Harry Benton was not an isolated failure. It was enabled by a system that too often prioritizes protecting the institution over protecting the people who work within it.

I am also disturbed by the conduct of the Legislative Inspector General. A recurring theme throughout this matter is women’s reluctance to bring their experiences forward, and the treatment of those who did offers little reassurance. When one complainant flagged errors in how her account was recorded, she was met with dismissiveness and belittling. That is precisely the kind of response that discourages people from coming forward, and it is why the office charged with protecting them must be held to the highest standard.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the legislative, policy, and other changes needed to ensure this is finally the end of Springfield’s culture of harassment. This work must begin immediately, and I strongly believe we must make tangible progress during the upcoming veto session.