A new report from a group of Illinois Democratic politicians called the Anti-Harassment, Equality and Access Panel lays out a plan to eliminate workplace harassment in the political arena and to invest in women lawmakers.

The panel was formed in February after allegations of sexual misconduct in the office of House Speaker Michael Madigan. Since then, it has held listening sessions with women in Illinois politics to figure out how to protect women in the field and how to create more equitable opportunities for them.

Illinois is ranked sixth in the country among states with the most women in government, with female politicians making up nearly 35 percent of Illinois’ state legislature. Nevertheless, Springfield has seen quite a few instances of alleged sexual misconduct in recent years.

The panel released its recommendations Wednesday to Democratic, Republican, Green, and Libertarian party leaders at the state and county level.

Morning Shift talks with two of the panel’s members about the report’s findings and how they think political parties can provide more opportunities for women working in politics.

GUESTS: Susana Mendoza, Illinois state comptroller 

Melinda Bush, Illinois state senator

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