Chicago and the state of Illinois are notorious around the country for high-profile corruption convictions. Rod Blagojevich settles back in after the former governor’s imprisonment for corruption.

When Illinois lawmakers work as lobbyists, it creates public distrust and serious conflicts of interest.

Illinois is one of the few states that lets lawmakers or state agency chiefs become a lobbyist the day after leaving office. A new ethics bill would stop that.

Most states require a wait before lawmakers become lobbyists. Recent federal probes point out the need for Illinois to do the same.