Slaughter-Backed Illinois Open Checkbook Act to Increase Illinois’ Fiscal Transparency

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Residents will be able to more easily view online records on state spending and finances under a new law backed by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago.

“We owe it to taxpayers to offer transparency in all levels of government,” Slaughter said. “Instead of using a cumbersome online system that broadly describes state finances, we are now moving in a direction that will allow residents to view our government’s spending on more specific terms permanently.”

Recently signed into law, the Slaughter-supported House Bill 313 creates the Illinois Open Checkbook Act. The new law intends to permanently show all state expenditures made from any state fund on the Comptroller’s website. This expands upon the Comptroller’s current searchable databases, and is intended to make it easier for residents to find the information they want.

“Our state will continue to face tough financial decisions in the years to come, and it’s important that residents, advocates and lawmakers alike have easy access to how our state’s resources are being allocated,” Slaughter said. “This government is accountable to the residents it serves, and we must continue to take steps to be as transparent as possible.”