by Joe Calomino

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

For over two years, Americans for Prosperity has been fighting for transparency in state government. They've also been working in conjunction with Judicial Watch filing hundreds of FOIA's in an attempt to expose hidden spending in the state's budget. At times their work has been fruitful and other times their work to obtain information from the state has been extremely frustrating, as many state agencies and elected officials have refused to adhere to the FOIA laws.

As an unfortunate result of their work, this past July, Americans for Prosperity joined Judicial Watch in filing a lawsuit against the offices of the governor and senate president for violations of the FOIA. In fact, the General Assembly, heard specific testimony from Judicial Watch regarding the lawsuit during the recent House impeachment trial of governor Blagojevich.

In 2008, Americans for Prosperity worked with a bi-partisan group of lawmakers to pass HB4765, last year's version of the Illinois Accountability Portal. Unfortunately, the bill was killed in the Senate Rules Committee under the leadership of Senator Emil Jones.

Illinois, now more than ever, needs to let the light of public scrutiny shine on state spending.

In a state that is renowned for political corruption, insider deals, pay-to-play politics, and now the shameful spectacle of a governor allegedly attempting to sell a United States Senate seat, we can see no reason not to provide the public with as much information as possible regarding the inner workings of state government. Our state's current opaque spending process creates the perception, or possible reality, of legislators or bureaucrats using the state budget to fund unnecessary, wasteful, or even corrupt programs, confident that most Illinoisans will never know about it. Giving taxpayers the tools to understand where and how their money is being spent will make state government more accountable and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

HB35, would create a real time on-line searchable website that includes comprehensive information about state spending, HB 35's database is the first step in helping eliminate the perception of impropriety by ensuring that state spending is subject to public scrutiny. It will also, even when there is no perceived wrongdoing, allow taxpayers to hold the government to higher standards, reviewing exactly how money is being spent.

Transparent government is good government. AND Good government has nothing to hide from the taxpayers who fund it. Therefore, allowing information about state spending to be widely accessible will create accountability and openness providing citizens with an opportunity to once again regain trust in their government officials.

It is for these reasons and more that we urge you to support HB35.

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