eBay for State contractors?
Great news from Springfield today…
After seeing the transparency legislation (HB35) pass the other week – in both houses unanimously – another bit of good news has emerged from Springfield today — which also got a unanimous nod “yes” from both houses.
Rep. Connelly introduced his first bill (HB379) in January 2009, which would bring more transparency to state procurement, streamline the process, and save taxpayers millions. Connelly’s bill would reform state procurement by opening up an online bidding process, similar to eBay, and let potential contractors make their offer to the state. This could help alleviate pay to play in Illinois, establish an additional check on corruption in state procurement, and save the state from wasting precious tax dollars on contracts they could obtain at a smaller price for the same or better quality of service.
As Connelly notes, “Residents of this state are fed up with government corruption and shady, backroom deals. Today, we took the first step in opening the shades and allowing sunshine on the process of awarding state contracts,” said Rep. Connelly. “This online process could potentially save the taxpayers millions.”
Rep. Connelly’s office explained in a press release earlier today that the legislation calls for a set up “comparable to eBay, companies that sell goods and commodity services to the State would receive an anonymous identification number from the state and at set times would go online to compete for state contracts.”
HH379 now waits for Governor Quinn’s signature. So does transparency legislation, HB35.
Have something to say about it? Call your representative.
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