Andrade Calls for Override of Governor’s Veto of Bipartisan Government Transparency Measure

CHICAGO – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is calling on members of the Illinois General Assembly to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a proposal to require more transparent and open reporting of spending at state agencies.

“As the bill backlog increased during Gov. Rauner’s budget impasse, one of the difficulties that we faced in the legislature was determining exactly how much money state agencies actually owed,” Andrade said. “This bipartisan proposal will require agencies to be more transparent and help paint a clearer picture for legislators, citizens, the media and businesses of the state’s finances.”

The state’s unpaid bill backlog more than tripled in the past two years since Gov. Rauner was elected, reaching a record high point of more than $15 billion. The Andrade-backed House Bill 3659, the Debt Transparency Act, is an initiative of Comptroller Susana Mendoza and would require state agencies to disclose bills they are holding to the Comptroller monthly, as well as estimate the amount of late payment interest penalties that will be paid on those liabilities.

According to the Comptroller’s Office, liabilities are not being reported quickly enough, and as a result, Illinois owes at least $800 million in penalty fees on the state’s overdue bills. By reforming how state agencies report their liabilities, Andrade’s legislation would ensure that hard-earned, taxpayer dollars are protected from financial mismanagement

“I am disappointed that the governor would attempt to block this good-government proposal that makes it easier for residents to hold the state accountable for wasteful spending,” Andrade said. “I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reaffirm their support for government transparency and Illinois taxpayers by voting to override the governor’s misguided veto.”