Jackson Calls Daley Reforms "Small but Positive"

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. today acknowledged that Chicago Mayor Richard Daley was taking "small but positive steps" toward cleaning up widespread corruption in his Administration.

Daley reportedly announced today that he would discontinue the city's so-called "Hired Truck" program. The $40-million-a-year program has come under criticism in recent months after press reports alleged that many of the truckers did little or no work for the City, and that much of the money paid to them was later used to finance political campaigns.

Daley also reportedly said today that he would no longer accept campaign contributions from contractors who do business with the City. Contractors have contributed generously to Daley's previous campaigns.

When called for a comment, Jackson said: "Although belatedly, Mayor Daley has taken small but positive steps to clean up the rampant corruption, fraud and abuse at City Hall."