Women’s Voices Illinois Blog

Two Women Legislators Take Action to End Grant Abuse

August 4th, 2008

State Representatives Rosemary Mulligan and Ruth Munson are proposing legislation to inject some accountability into the State grant process and ensure that our tax dollars are well spent. According to the Chicago Tribune:

“The legislation follows a July 20 Tribune investigation that exposed how the state squandered taxpayer money on after-school grants, nearly half of which rewarded campaign workers and donors of West Side state Sen. Rickey Hendon.”

As a result of the findings, a package of reforms are being introduced by a group of Republican legislators to stop the abuse of the state grant system and spend tax dollars more responsibly. The Tribune reports:

“One of the new bills, sponsored by Rep Rosemary Mulligan (R- Des Plaines) requires that any state agency awarding these grants spell out what is required, confirm that the recipients are qualified and monitor the expenditures and performance.

Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) would require grant recipients to disclose if they donated to or did political work for the state lawmaker sponsoring their grant.”

It’s refreshing see these women taking the lead to introduce some common sense reforms – especially at a time when our state could use a serious dose of fiscal responsibility.

It’s a small step, but definitely one in the right direction.

Posted by April Green

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