Raoul reiterates the need for honesty and fiscal responsibility in the appropriation process

Chicago, IL— This week State Senator Kwame Raoul (D – Chicago) voted to pass the 2011 Budget Transparency & Accountability Act; however, he says more must be done to increase fiscal responsibility in Springfield.

“The 2011 Budget Transparency & Accountability Act will help offer honest numbers about the state’s fiscal condition to everyday citizens,” said Raoul. “These facts and figures will give Illinoisans and legislators the opportunity to share their priorities to the Governor as he makes his budget recommendations.”

The 2011 Budget Transparency & Accountability Act (House Bill 2240) opens the door to ensuring state government is honest and transparent in our process to establish a spending plan for next year’s budget cycle. Raoul contends that while this is a good start, legislators have to show fiscal restraint as well as they propose new legislative measures.

Last year, Raoul sponsored legislation which creates the Correctional and Human Services Budget and Impact Note. The measure (House Bill 682) would require legislators to identify a specific revenue source for expansions in human service programs and criminal penalties. The measure passed the Senate unanimously 58 to 0.

“Constituents deserve honesty in the legislative process, not empty promises,” Raoul said. “At a time when we’re facing a serious deficit, Illinoisans understand that there are simply some things we can’t afford right now.”

Raoul introduced 3 new bills (SB 3086, SB 3087, SB 3088) this week which would encourage spending reform for legislators. The bills would focus on providing pay-as-you-go spending reform in the areas of education, human services and criminal penalty expansion.