Suburban Republicans pitch transparency plan
SPRINGFIELD — Two suburban Republicans are pushing legislation they say could reveal to taxpayers more about how local governments spend and borrow money.
One plan from state Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove and House Republican Leader Tom Cross would create a board that publishes findings on the taxes and spending of Illinois' thousands of local governments.
Sandack said that board could even propose consolidations if it wanted, an idea that has been controversial in Springfield before.
Their other plans would require additional documentation on any proposed legislation that could create debt for the state. It also would put local governments' debt, pension and health care costs on a state website.
Sandack, formerly mayor of Downers Grove, said he doesn't think his proposals would be a burden to cash-strapped local governments.
“We think the good vastly outweighs the bad,” he said.
Lawmakers could have a chance to debate the plans in the coming weeks. The Illinois House convenes again next week.