Mussman Responds to Governor Blocking Sensible Debt Transparency Measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, issued the following statement after Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming how state agencies manage their finances:

“Illinois continues to confront historic fiscal challenges that need to be met head on, not ignored. People cannot be left in the dark about the state’s finances any longer. The Debt Transparency Act would have provided the taxpayers of Illinois with a much clearer picture about how much the state owes venders, schools and non-profits. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed this proposal because he does not want to be held accountable to taxpayers.

“In his veto message, the governor said that his staff and the government departments that report to him should not have to work harder to get the numbers out monthly and accurately. After nearly three years of a budget crisis that tripled the state’s debt, Illinois taxpayers deserve to know the true amounts of outstanding bills and the growing interest costs associated with them.

“The governor frequently talks about the need for good government reforms, yet he still blocked one of the Better Government Association’s top rated measures to originate from the Illinois House of Representatives this year. Illinoisans deserve an efficient, transparent government that is accountable to them, which House Bill 3649 would have provided. Departments should be highlighting exact dollar expenditures so that policymakers can make decisions that spend tax dollars responsibly, not recklessly, and help get Illinois back on track.”