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 a legislative inspector general, but that office has been vacant for more than two years.

Tom Homer was the last permanent inspector general. He would take complaints against legislators, including sexual harassment complaints, but says his impact was limited because he didn’t have a staff. 

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.