Olsen Votes to End the Sexual Harassment Culture in Springfield

State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) voted in favor of several legislative initiatives on Tuesday that aim to end the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield.

Olsen was a leading Republican on HJR 83, a measure that condemns the current misogynistic culture that currently exists in Springfield and seeks full cooperation by all lawmakers, staff and lobbyists to adhere to a higher standard of behavior. “House Joint Resolution 83 is a strongly-worded resolution that urges everyone involved with State government to commit to working to change the culture in Springfield that breeds sexual harassment,” said Olsen. “No woman or man should ever have to feel threatened or harassed in their workplace, and we need to take whatever steps are necessary so that people understand that they never have to accept unwanted advances in exchange for success on the job.”

In addition to co-sponsoring HJR 83, Olsen voted in favor of the following additional bills that address the sexual harassment problem in and around the Capitol:

• SB 402: Requires annual sexual harassment training for all Constitutional officers, lawmakers, state employees and registered lobbyists
• HB 137, Senate Amendment #1: Temporarily lifts the 12-month window during which allegations of misconduct may be investigated, to allows the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) to hear the 27 complaints that were filed between December 1, 2014 and November 3, 2017 when the LIG post was vacant
• HR 687: Creates a Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment

“I am pleased to see members of the General Assembly moving forward on a bipartisan basis to address this very serious problem,” Olsen said. “We must end this inappropriate culture and treat one another with full respect and as equals.”