Costa Howard Fights for Good Government and Transparency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To prevent elected municipal officials from double-dipping at taxpayer expense, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, co-sponsored legislation that would prohibit public office holders from hiring themselves into paid positions within local government.

“I was shocked by a recent report that one village official more than tripled her pay by hiring herself as her own assistant,” Costa Howard said. “That’s appalling. When taxpayers read stories like that, it undermines public trust in government at every level.”

Costa Howard’s House Bill 3501 targets municipal clerks and other local officials who have appointed themselves into paid positions in the units of government they were elected to serve.

“Public service should be a calling – not an opportunity to line your pockets at taxpayers’ expense,” Costa Howard added. “It’s wrong for elected officials to double-dip and grant themselves hefty extra salaries with tax dollars that were intended to fund local schools, libraries, park districts, and public safety. I am very proud that HB3501 was passed unanimously by the Illinois House, and I am hopeful that this commonsense bill will soon be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the Governor.”

For more information, contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.