For Immediate Release – Thursday, January 8, 2009
Contact: Joe Calomino, (312) 768-2373

SPRINGFIELD - In the midst of a federal corruption investigation of Illinois’ governor, taxpayer watchdog group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IL) urges state lawmakers to enact legislation that will significantly increase transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent. House Bill 35 would create the Illinois Accountability Portal, a free and accessible website to the public, which includes comprehensive information about state spending, state contracts, state tax credits and the salaries of state employees.

The legislation, spearheaded by AFP and State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), was approved unanimously last year by the House of Representatives as House Bill 4765. However, it was never called for a vote in the Senate.

“We are extremely pleased that Rep. Tryon has agreed to re-introduce this much-needed legislation. Illinois has become a clearinghouse for corrupt politicians. Now more than ever, we need to implement true reform,” said AFP Illinois Director Joe Calomino.

“The Governor’s criminal allegations have highlighted insider handouts, questionable hiring and campaign contributions traded for state contracts in the Illinois Statehouse. Transparency will shed light into the state’s financial transactions and ensure that our public officials are held accountable to the people of this state,” Calomino said.

Americans For Prosperity, a state and national leader on transparency issues, led a coalition of several grassroots organizations, trade associations, press associations, and taxpayer protection groups in signing a letter urging lawmakers to support the Accountability Portal last year. AFP was also instrumental in ensuring passage of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, a law sponsored by Senators Coburn and Obama which created a similar searchable website.

In Illinois, AFP is working toward transparency at all levels of government, including a push to create county-level government spending websites.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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