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Senate Republicans discuss
independent gaming board
The idea of an independent Illinois Gaming Board was discussed at a
hearing April 29 at the Capitol in Springfield.
It was originally indicated that all
members of the gaming board would attend the meeting, but Gary
Peterlin was the only member who attended. He is one of only two
members serving who have not been appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Also attending the hearing were
representatives from the Illinois Department of Revenue, National
Coalition against Legalized Gambling, Illinois Campaign for
Political Reform, Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction
Problems, and former acting administrator of the Illinois Gaming
Board Tom Swoik.
The Senate Republican Caucus is
proposing legislation to separate the gaming board from the
Department of Revenue.
Auditor general expresses concern
over contract abuse
Illinois Auditor General Bill
Holland expressed his concern April 26 over questionable Department
of Central Management Services practices found during a financial
audit and compliance examination. Even more troubling, Holland said,
was the Blagojevich administration's response to the report,
including denials and intimidation.
A complete copy of the auditor
general's audit of Central Management Services is being made
available by the Senate Republican Caucus at
www.senategop.state.il.us.
Senate Republicans target contract
abuse
Nearly two months ago, Senate
Republicans unveiled their "Responsible Public Contracting Act" and
other ethics reforms aimed at curbing abuses by Gov. Rod Blagojevich
and his staff.
The legislation gives the public
more access to information about leases and subleases. It makes it
easier for the media and public to identify potential links between
campaign contributions and contract awards. It encourages more
competition on state contracts by strengthening contract
notification procedures. It requires more timely posting of
conflict-of-interest waivers and contract awards on the Internet.
Most importantly, it gives the state comptroller and treasurer power
to void illegal contracts.
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 Senate Republicans also introduced
measures aimed at other questionable practices by the governor and
his staff. The legislation bans the use of any state funds or
resources for out-of-state trips by public officials if any portion
of the trip involves political fundraising. It provides more
information about a public official's interest in out-of-state
businesses as well as Illinois businesses. It tightens the existing
ban on the use of public service announcements and promotional
items. It prohibits constitutional officers from appearing in
commercial solicitations. It makes it easier to cross-reference
campaign contributors' names and their employers. It requires more
timely disclosure of contributions of $1,000 or more. It amends the
crime of official misconduct to include special government agents
identified under the "shadow government" reforms enacted by Senate
Republicans.
This Senate Republican initiative is
also detailed at
www.senategop.state.il.us.
Resolution seeks extension of
federal milk program
The Illinois Senate recently adopted
Senate Resolution 34, urging the federal government to extend
the dairy program, which is due to expire at the end of September.
Illinois dairy farmers are concerned
about the upcoming expiration of the federal Milk Income Loss
Contract program. This resolution urges our congressional delegation
and the federal government to extend this important program.
Under current federal law, the
program financially compensates eligible dairy producers when
domestic milk prices fall below a specified level. The program has
helped ease dairy farm losses around the nation.
[From
Sen. Bill Brady]
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