Moylan Votes to Override Gov. Rauner’s Veto of Debt Transparency Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In response to reports that Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has failed to submit billions of dollars in bills for payment, forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for late payment penalties, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, voted to override the governor’s veto of bipartisan legislation that will give taxpayers a more transparent account of state finances.

“Government operates the best when it is done in a fair and transparent manner,” Moylan said. “Governor Rauner’s veto of the Debt Transparency Act was a desperate attempt by him to hide the damage his budget crisis hurt our state.”

Moylan sponsored the Debt Transparency Act, House Bill 3649, which requires state 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, giving taxpayers a clear look at how their tax dollars are being managed. A recent report by the Associated Press found that state agencies have failed to submit $7.5 billion in bills for payment, expanding the state’s debt and incurring additional late-payment penalties.

Rauner vetoed the measure, refusing to reveal the full extent of state debt accrued as a result of his budget crisis. Moylan joined with Democrats and Republicans to override the governor’s veto and ensure that taxpayers do not end up paying more than they already have because of financial mismanagement.

“Illinois families are required to pay their bills on time and government should be no different,” Moylan said. “This legislation will help our state save money and use these savings to further pay down our debt.”

For more information about this issue, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.