How is that extra sales tax being used?

SPRINGFIELD -- Suburban counties that received sales tax increases as part of a mass transit bailout earlier this year soon may have to detail to lawmakers how the money's being spent.

The state Senate passed legislation 56-0 on Wednesday requiring the accounting of the sales tax windfall for suburban leaders. The suburban tax increase was added to woo lawmakers' votes, especially among DuPage County lawmakers.

It worked, as a deal was narrowly approved in January to raise sales taxes in Cook and the suburban counties by a quarter percentage point, adding 25 cents to a $100 purchase. The legislation also said DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Will counties automatically get another quarter-point increase. County officials could then spend the money on transportation projects or public safety.

The follow-up plan approved Wednesday is designed to ensure the money is being properly spent. Annual reports would be required with the General Assembly.

Also, the legislation seeks to grant disabled people of certain economic levels free public transportation.

As a part of the mass transit bailout plan, Gov. Rod Blagojevich agreed to sign off on the sales tax increase despite a contrary campaign pledge, but only if lawmakers let seniors age 65 and older ride the buses and trains for free.

State Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat, and sponsor of the follow-up legislation, said she felt it was important to have transparency when spending tax dollars. As lawmakers worked to stave off a transportation "doomsday" scenario, Garrett said she fielded concerns from the disabled community who felt they were forgotten.

The legislation now moves to the House for a vote. Garrett said she's optimistic it will pass.

"I can't imagine anybody voting against this, because everybody wants to make sure there's accountability when it comes to spending our tax money," she said. "And if anybody deserves a free ride, it certainly should be the disabled community."