DeLuca Effort to Stop Taxpayer Funded Credit Card Abuse Highlighted in House Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With taxpayers frustrated by numerous local government controversies involving the inappropriate use of taxpayer-funded credit cards, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, spoke at a House committee this week about his plan to implement stronger transparency requirements

“Too often we see headlines of local government officials overspending with their taxpayer-funded credit cards,” DeLuca said. “These are taxpayer dollars from hardworking people expected to help the community, not to be used for first class travel, five-star hotels and luxury dining. When the spending is exposed, the taxpayers are outraged, demanding reform and accountability. Especially while property taxes are continually on the rise.”

DeLuca spoke about his House Bill 4196 at a House Executive Committee subject matter hearing, outlining how it would require the governing authority of local governments to specifically vote and verify the validity of all purchases made using the government credit card in the preceding month. The statement could not be redacted in a manner inconsistent with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

House Bill 4196 would impact townships, park districts, municipalities, school districts and community colleges. It does not restrict or prohibit the use of a government-issued credit card.

“We continue to gain momentum with this effort, and I’m proud to have cosponsors from both sides of the aisle,” DeLuca said. “With property taxes and other costs rising, let’s make sure we’re doing everything we can to ensure our hardworking taxpayer dollars are being used prudently.”

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.