SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) led the Senate today in approving Carol M. Pope as new Legislative Inspector General, a post responsible for investigating complaints made against lawmakers and legislative employees.

“Judge Carol Pope has all of the necessary experience and background to be an excellent Legislative Inspector General,” Link said. “It is vitally important that allegations of misconduct are investigated and properly handled. I have the upmost trust that Judge Pope will live up to those expectations.”

Judge Pope was recommended unanimously by the Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission in December to fill the post full time after Julie Porter was appointed to serve as temporary inspector general until a permanent appointment was made.

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SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) released the following statement this afternoon after voting to increase Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025:

“Working families haven’t seen a raise in Illinois since 2010, while costs for housing, child care and food have only continued to increase. The compromise plan I supported today gradually increases wages while providing a key tax refund for small businesses.

“For thousands of Illinois families struggling to get by, this increase will provide more security and stability in their everyday lives.”

Senate Bill 1 passed on a 39-18 vote and now heads to the Illinois House for further debate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) released the following statement after being sworn in to the Illinois Senate today:

“I’m honored to be sworn in for another term in the Illinois Senate,” Link said. “During my upcoming term, I will continue building on past efforts to make Illinois a better place to live and work, and I look forward to having a partner in the governor's office who shares these goals.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Terry Link offered his support for Judge Carol Pope to be the next Illinois Legislative Inspector General, the top ethics watchdog for the General Assembly and its employees.

“Judge Carol Pope has a long career in public service and the experience, qualifications and character that are necessary for the important role of Legislative Inspector General,” said Senator Terry Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat. “The people of Illinois can trust Judge Pope to investigate and take proper action regarding any cases that come through the office.”

Link is a member of the Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission that is recommending Pope be hired.

Judge Pope currently serves as a member of the Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee, which provides ethics advice to judges throughout Illinois. Pope previously served seven years as a State’s Attorney in Menard County, 17 years as a Circuit Court Judge and nine years as Appellate Justice in the Fourth Appellate District.

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