Legislature passes grant transparency plan

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois legislature has sent Gov. Pat Quinn legislation to make grants more transparent as lawmakers investigate his mismanaged Chicago anti-violence program.

The House voted 96-6 on Friday to approve a proposal that would apply to about $8 billion given annually to nongovernmental organizations. The measure would require grant applicants to disclose financial information, conflicts of interest and employee criminal records.

A legislative committee is looking into Quinn's 2010 program, which a state audit concluded had "pervasive" deficiencies. A Quinn spokeswoman says the governor supports the legislation and plans to approve it.

Supporters say it will save taxpayers money by reducing fraud. But minority lawmakers say the new grant process doesn't do enough to ensure black and Latino communities receive grants.