Reform for Illinois

Reform for Illinois is a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization dedicated to empowering public participation in government, addressing the role of money in politics, and promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency within the political system of Illinois.

History

The organization was originally founded in 1997 as the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR) by former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-IL) and then Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra (R). This bipartisan initiative aimed to establish ICPR as a leading voice on Illinois campaign finance law and government ethics. In September 2018, the organization was relaunched under its current name, Reform for Illinois.

Advocacy and Research

Reform for Illinois focuses on several key areas of political reform, including campaign finance laws, voter education, and the reduction of public corruption. The organization is well-known for its work on the 1998 Gift Ban Act and the 2009 law that implemented state campaign finance contribution caps and disclosure requirements[1]. Additionally, it has been instrumental in promoting voter equipment modernization projects.

One of its most notable achievements is the creation of Illinois Sunshine, a searchable online database that provides detailed information on state-level campaign finance reports. This resource is frequently cited by state, national, and international media outlets as a critical tool for understanding Illinois politics[1].

Nonprofit Status and Operations

Reform for Illinois is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the categories of civil rights, social action, and advocacy, with a focus on voter education and registration[3]. The organization relies primarily on contributions for its revenue. In fiscal year 2022, it reported total assets of approximately $337,577 and liabilities of $124,335[3].

Leadership and Governance

The organization is led by an executive director and a board of directors, which includes various leaders from different backgrounds. As of 2018, the board chair was reported to be William Fehrman[4].