Accountability, Transparency and Saving Taxpayer Dollars

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Flanked by colleagues of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) today held a statehouse press conference to discuss a proposal to reform how Illinois government awards significant sole source contracts. 

Kotowski unveiled the provisions of the legislation that are aimed at boosting accountability, transparency and ultimately saving taxpayer dollars through this reform.

Specifically, Kotowski’s legislation (Amendment 1 to SB 375):

Blocks Automatic Renewal or Extension of Certain Contracts

Existing sole source (non-competitively bid) contracts over $249,999 cannot be renewed or extended.  Instead, at the expiration of these contracts, the respective Illinois procurement authorities are required to competitively bid the services.

Requires Annual Reporting of Certain Contracts

Annually, the General Assembly will receive a detailed report from each chief procurement officer that shows every sole source contract awarded.  This report must include justification for awarding such contracts. 

“This is another step to continue our effort in reforming how Illinois government does business,” Kotowski said.  “We’re using common sense and recognized business practices to require transparency, accountability and efficiency.  It’s another tool to ensure that our citizens are getting the best value for their tax dollars.”

Kotowski’s legislation has been successful in other states.  Connecticut undertook a similar effort to review hundreds of contracts while renegotiating and rebidding many others.  This effort saved taxpayers millions of dollars.

Over the course of the past few years, Senate Democrats have advanced several contract reform provisions to increase public accountability.  Most notably was the requirement last year to post all contracts, salaries and other tax dollar expenditures on a publically accessible website.  http://accountability.illinois.gov is managed under the state’s Executive office.