Harper Urges Governor to Sign Debt Transparency Measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Illinois’ estimated bill backlog sits at a record $14.3 billion, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is calling on Gov. Rauner to sign legislation that would reform how state agencies manage their finances and reveal the full extent of the state’s debt obligations.

“Following up on our balanced and bipartisan budget, this transparency bill is good government bill that will tell the public what our state owes to schools and social service providers and how much is owed,” Harper said. “Now more than ever it is critical that elected officials work to pass bipartisan, honest and transparent policies to bring Illinois out of the shadows and at the forefront of caring for our taxpayers.”

Harper supported House Bill 3649 would require agencies to report monthly to the Comptroller the liabilities they are holding, plus an estimate of the amount of late interest penalties that will be paid on those bills. According to the Comptroller’s Office, liabilities are not being reported quickly enough, and as a result, millions of dollars in penalty fees are accruing on the state’s overdue bills. By reforming how state agencies report their liabilities, the Harper-supported legislation would ensure that hard-earned, taxpayer dollars are protected from financial mismanagement.

“The Debt Transparency Act would give the Governor’s Office, legislators, the media and most importantly the taxpayers of Illinois a much clearer picture of the state’s finances and the amount owed on the state’s unpaid bills,” said State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “We hope Governor Rauner follows the advice of his fellow Republicans and Democrats and signs the bill.”

House Bill 3649 passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support at the end of the spring legislative session, and has been sitting on the governor’s desk for more than 30 days awaiting his consideration.