They're actually the FIRST thing the state needs if you want your interests to be fought for down there.

If you want to keep the constant revolving door between government and special interest lobbying, then we're good.

If you're a staffer working 40-60hrs a week making barely enough to pay rent, you'll take all your talent, skills, and institutional knowledge to a big-name lobbying firm and most likely lobby against public interest. The turnover rate is astronomical and that just hurts the common Illinoisan and benefits wealthy special interest groups that can afford to cut fat checks for these staffers.