AG Madigan heralds newly strengthened False Claims Act
Amended
act will help attorney general recover taxpayer dollars from vendors
that defraud the state
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[July 29, 2010]
CHICAGO -- Attorney General Lisa
Madigan on Wednesday applauded the efforts of the General Assembly
and the governor in enacting the new Illinois False Claims Act, a
key weapon in the state's fight against fraud and waste in public
contracting. The bill amends the current law, providing the state
with improved investigatory abilities and allowing the state to
recover the high costs associated with investigating and litigating
these complex cases.
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"Through this newly amended law, we will have a stronger weapon to
protect taxpayer dollars from businesses that engage in fraud when
dealing with state and local governments," the attorney general
said. "These increased enforcement tools are especially meaningful
as our state struggles financially during these tough economic
times."Madigan drafted
House Bill 5951 and worked closely with its chief sponsors,
state Rep. Will Burns and state Sens. Jeff Schoenberg and Mike
Noland, to ensure its passage. The General Assembly unanimously
passed the bill and Gov. Quinn signed it Tuesday. The new law takes
effect immediately.
"With enactment of this legislation, businesses involved with
state and local governments should receive the message that the
state of Illinois does not tolerate fraudulent activity," Burns
said.
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The attorney general has recovered millions of taxpayer dollars
through litigation using the previous version of the false claims
law.
The new amendments will improve enforcement and allow the
attorney general's office to recover additional taxpayer dollars
lost through instances of fraud, waste and abuse in government
programs.
"I have investigated claims of fraud, waste and abuse in
government programs and taken legal action to recover taxpayer
dollars whenever possible," Madigan said. "The new provisions in
this law will help to deter fraud and make the recovery of taxpayer
dollars easier."
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The Illinois False Claims Act also contains provisions that
protect whistle-blowers who report fraud and reward individuals who
assist the state in suits filed to recover taxpayer dollars.
"The people of Illinois deserve an open, accountable government,"
said Noland. "By protecting whistle-blowers, we defend the people
against corruption and safeguard taxpayer dollars. This bill is part
of our continuing effort to reform government in Illinois."
[Text from file received from the office
Illinois Attorney General Lisa
Madigan]
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