Government Salaries vs. Private Sector Salaries
USA Today highlights yet another good reason for government spending transparency:
Average federal salaries exceed average private-sector pay in 83% of comparable occupations.
Citizens want transparent government for many reasons, and being able to easily review government salaries –…
Over $3,000 for an Economic Forecasting Subscription
Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008, the Illinois Department of Employment Security paid Global Insight (USA) Inc. $3,363.50 for a subscription to their economic forecast. Global Insight (USA) Incorporated is a forecasting…
Alderman Wants More Transparency in Quincy
The Quincy Herald Whig reports Alderman Paul Havermale, R-3, has initiated talks about bringing more transparency to city government in Quincy, “asking city officials to consider some steps to increase “transparency” in city government.”
Havermale…
Over $10,000 for Information on the Labor Force
Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008 and 2009, the Department of Employment Security spent $3,487.30 on EI&A subscriptions, $133.68 on EI&A travel, and $10,766.90 on EI&A computer programs. The Economic Information and…
Illinois Accountability Portal
The January 2010 deadline has come and gone, yet we still don’t see legislators’ salary information posted on the state’s Illinois Accountability Portal.
If you’re interested in seeing salary information for all state employees — benefits data included…
$1 Million Grant for a Siemens Factory in Elgin
Using information from IllinoisOpenGov.org I found that in 2008, the Department of Commerce gave Siemens Energy & Automation a $1,000,000.00 grant. This grant is part of a $5.7 million dollar funding commitment by the state to help finance…
Over $4 Million in Attorney Fees
Using information for our transparency website, IllinosOpenGov.org, I found that in 2009, the Department of Transportation spent $4,258,997.92 on attorneys and related legal fees. The biggest recipients of these funds were Holland & Knight LLP, which…
Is This Really Asking Too Much?
Rep. Renee Kosel introduced legislation (HB5483) which would amend the current Open Meetings Act and require “a public body to make proposed minutes of an open meeting available for public inspection within 8 business days after the meeting…
IL Senate “Joint Caucus” Closed Budget Meeting
The Chicago Tribune’s Clout St. Street reports:
The Illinois Senate plans to meet behind closed doors this morning to hear a presentation by experts about state budgets and the national economy, a move that open government
…
Cook County Checks Online
After passing a transparency resolution about a year ago, Cook County has posted its check registry online and appears to be embracing spending transparency policy, describing their move as an “Open County Initiative,” which…
