State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the Senate’s action to address the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield:
“I strongly believe that as a legislative body we need to ensure that there is a safe process for individuals to report sexual harassment claims and that harassers are held accountable for their actions. While I think this legislation is a start, I am concerned that it sets up a reporting system that is overseen or hired by legislators, which may perpetuate an unsafe work environment where people are afraid to come forward. In the coming weeks, I think we need to examine best practices and what other states have done to determine if a special ombudsman position should be created to handle sexual harassment complaints. I intend to actively participate in trailer legislation to address this issue.”
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