Letter: Senate Report Shows Need for Reform

Letter to the editor:

In February, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus requested compensation data and employment contracts for selected administrative positions from all 9 public universities and 46 community colleges over the past ten years. They recently released a scathing report of their findings. They found that some administrators were receiving memberships to country clubs, car services, and appointment contracts of over 5 years in length that led to six-figure severance agreements. Tuition at Illinois’ public universities has skyrocketed and compensation for executives has not lagged far behind. The report further found that while the process of creating and altering executive compensation packages should be open to the public, that process can be subverted.

As Illinois needs to better monitor its spending so that we can properly allocate money to those that truly need it, we must ensure that the process is opened up. Careless spending is to be expected when a group or person is spending money that isn’t their own. However, it’s even worse if the process or details are hidden behind closed doors. As eye opening as this report was, the unfortunate truth is that this doesn’t just occur in our higher education institutions. House Bill 303 bans confidentiality clauses in severance and settlement agreements; not only in colleges, but any that use taxpayer money to pay for them. It’s a small step, but it is the right step towards government transparency and fiscal accountability.

After passing the House overwhelmingly back in April, the bill was finally approved unanimously by a State Senate committee on May 29. However, it still remains to be called for a final vote. Lookup and contact your Senator and tell them to vote YES on House Bill 303.

Margo McDermed

State Representative from the 37th District