Stephanie Kifowit: 2026 candidate for Illinois Comptroller

Bio

Office sought: Illinois Comptroller

City: Oswego

Age: 54

Occupation: State Representative

Previous offices held: 3rd Ward Alderman - City of Aurora

Q&A

How desperate is the state's bill paying situation? What should the role of the comptroller be in terms of paying bills on time?

Currently the bill pay cycle is approximately a week; however, there are still funds with extremely low balances that have delays in paying upwards of 14 months. The role of the Comptroller is not only to ensure the payment cycle is up to industry standards but should also provide audits of funds, such as the College Insurance Program (CIP) benefit plans fund where there are not enough funds to pay the obligations in a timely manner.

Many people in Illinois are not familiar with the comptroller's duties. What should be done to increase awareness?

Our current comptroller has been on social media, visible in the public and has traveled throughout the state; I intend to continue to do this in addition to maintaining my weekly Coffee with Kiffy Podcast, engage the youth by creating a Comptroller Youth Advisory Council (similar to the one I have as a state rep) and engage the public where they are by attending festivals and events. There is always more to be done to bring awareness of this important position.

Transparency has been a focus in recent years. What would you do to continue or expand that?

In working closely with the current comptroller, I will continue the System Legacy Modernization Act (Phase 2), which will improve transparency and accountability. I recently proposed our People First Initiative which will create two divisions within the office of the Comptroller: A Labor Division - which is focused on auditing the contracts to ensure Illinois law is being followed, for example, by providing a certified payroll to verify prevailing wage, OSHA standards are being met, and pension payments made before releasing payments. My Nonprofit and Community Organization Division which will track funds from appropriation to organizations; help organizations with delays and alert the General Assembly when fund balances are swept or too low for their legal obligations.

There have been moves to consolidate the offices of the treasurer and comptroller, what is your opinion on that idea?

I believe that any opportunity we have to save taxpayer money should be considered. Consolidation needs to have the proper safeguards and oversight in place if we are to merge the two offices, and I would work with the General Assembly on this initiative.