Open Illinois.org

The State Journal-Register joined the flock of Illinois newspapers pushing for more transparency in the State of Illinois. The editorial board posted an opinion titled, “Our Opinion: State Salary Date Ought to be Online,” which expresses their concern over this information.

I particularly enjoy this comment from the opinion,

“The public policy reason for making salary data and other information, including disciplinary records (currently exempted from disclosure under state law), available to the public seems clear to everyone except public employee unions: These employees work for and are paid by the people of Illinois”

The State Journal-Register points out that there is support for creating a searchable database on both sides of the aisle, and should not be a partisan issue. There are many ways to go about getting your opinion across, and we appreciate the editorial board for posting their opinion, but we encourage you to do something about it as well. Our Liberty Leaders program is one influential way to express your opinion on transparency and openness in government. To get involved please contact us, and we’ll show you some resources we have available.

On a final note, the State Journal-Register has this comment,

“WE URGE the legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn to create an exhaustive Web site for salary data and other information, such as copies of contracts and grant payments, as was suggested by Rep. Michael Tryon, R-Crystal Lake, on Tuesday.

In most cases, the information is already available through Freedom of Information Act requests, but putting it on a one-stop Web site would be a welcome step toward making Illinois government open, transparent and easily navigable.”