Open Illinois.org

Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008 and 2009 (up until the time of our FOIA requests), various state agencies spent $62,753.48 on educational and instructional materials and supplies. The departments that spent the most were the Department of Transportation ($41,626.94), the Department of Military Affairs ($15,011.70), and Department of Human Rights ($3,097.21). The table below breaks down the expenses by year and department.

There are 44 vendors listed for these expenses, and fourteen vendors received more than $1,000. The largest payments went to HMH Supplemental Publishers ($9,976.50), NovaTech Solutions ($9,550.00), and J J Keller & Associates Inc ($8,746.87).

To find these expenditures on the IllinoisOpenGov site, go to “Checks to Businesses & People” and scroll down “Category of Spending” to “Educ & Instructional Materials,” “Educational & Instructional Materials,” “Educational and Instructional Materials &Supplies,” “Educational and Instructional Materials& Supplies,” and “Educational and Instructional Materials&Supplies.”

*Expenses showing $0 have been classified by their respective departments and were not available through the Freedom of Information Act.