Mussman Responds to Veto Override Vote on Sensible Debt Transparency Measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, issued the following statement after the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously voted to override Rauner’s veto of bipartisan legislation aimed at improving how state agencies report their finances:

“Illinois still faces financial challenges each day, but there is no excuse to keep our constituents in the dark about the state’s finances. The Debt Transparency Act will provide the taxpayers of Illinois with a much clearer picture about how much the state owes venders, schools and non-profits each month. Earlier today, both Democrats and Republicans worked together to unanimously override the governor’s veto of this common-sense bill.

“The House acted to inform people how much state agencies owe and their accompanying interest payments, giving Comptroller Mendoza and the General Assembly the tools needed to make necessary plans for the state. After nearly three years of a budget crisis that tripled the state’s debt, Illinois taxpayers are one step closer to having a more transparent government.

“This bill was one of the Better Government Association’s top rated measures to originate from the Illinois House of Representatives, and I sincerely hope the Illinois Senate wastes no time in following our lead. House Bill 3649 will pave the way for legislators to make decisions that spend tax dollars responsibly and efficiently.”