Audit finds many Ill. boards, commissions inactive

SPRINGFIELD — A government audit has found nearly a quarter of Illinois’ more than 300 boards and commissions have been inactive in recent years.

According to Auditor General William Holland, the inactive boards range from the Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness to the Steel Development Board. The audit also found many of the boards and commissions violate open meetings laws and fail to keep attendance at meetings.

Spokesman Brooke Anderson tells the Chicago Tribune that Gov. Pat Quinn’s office is looking for ways to cut down the number of boards and commissions. She said the governor is seeking help from the legislature to move forward.

The audit also found many boards and commissions are hampered by vacancies. Holland noted boards must be fully staffed in order to address policy issues.