D’Amico-Backed Bill to Increase Government Transparency

Legislation sponsored by State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, which aimes to increase government transparency and mitigate the state’s financial issues is now in effect.

“It is my duty to ensure that taxpayer money is not being handled irresponsibly,” D’Amico said. “Transparency is fundamental to making sure that these dollars are being managed well so that those who pay in to the system also benefit as much as possible.”

An initiative of the Comptroller’s Office, House Bill 3649, also known as the Debt Transparency Act, establishes a more accurate accounting of bills held by state agencies. The measure requires state agencies to submit monthly reports to the Comptroller’s office of all current liabilities held, interest owed, and whether or not money has been appropriated to fulfill the liabilities. Despite the bill’s veto by Gov. Rauner, it was overridden to become law by a nearly unanimous vote in both chambers. The Debt Transparency Act took effect Jan. 1.

“This bipartisan measure is an important step towards getting our state back on track,” D’Amico said. “I remain dedicated to bringing transparency to our government and making sure the hard-working citizens of our state are being served well.”