A public allegation of sexual harassment against an Illinois state lawmaker has people wondering: Is there a watchdog over the legislature? There used to be.
The Office of the Legislative Inspector General has been vacant for more than two years. And if you call the office number, it has been disconnected.
Tom Homer was the last permanent inspector general - and now he says that the office is not staffed.
Homer would take complaints against legislators - including sexual harassment complaints.
He says his impact was limited because he didn’t have a staff.
"In large part, this law is a toothless tiger without some enforcement mechanisms," Homer said.
Now with a claim of sexual harassment against a sitting state senator - the Illinois Senate President says he hopes to have an interim inspector general in place next week.