2 Illinois media groups back hearings into IHSA

SPRINGFIELD - Two media groups are backing legislation requiring hearings into the operations of the Illinois High School Association.

The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers reports the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Illinois Press Association are backing the bill that's been introduced by Aurora state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia.

Dennis DeRossett is president of the Press Association and says the hearings are needed because they'd give taxpayers more insight into how the governing body for high school sports operates.

Chapa LaVia's bill also calls for an evaluation of whether the state should take over duties for the nonprofit that's based in Bloomington.

But the head of the IHSA calls the measure "mind-boggling." He says IHSA releases an annual financial audit and Its financial reports are also available for public review.