Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Michael Connelly recently introduced two legislative bills that will provide the public more time to view county and state budgets.

“As we hopefully begin to emerge from 12 years of fiscal uncertainty at the state level and property taxes continue to rise, the public is demanding more fiscal transparency,” Connelly said. “I hope the era of passing budgets with a two-hour notice at the state capitol is over. The trustworthy path to fiscal solvency starts with the public’s input and ability to inspect state and county budgets.”

S.B. 1356 would require a three-day posting before a budget is voted on, while the companion piece of legislation, S.B. 1469, would require county boards and commissions throughout the state to post their budget proposals for at least seven days before final action is taken. Also, the bill would require authorities at the county level to hold a public hearing before any final action is taken.

“We have a duty to the state’s taxpayers and local property taxpayers to ensure that budgets are as open and transparent as possible,” Connelly said of S.B. 1469.

S.B.1356 has been assigned to the Senate Executive Committee and 1469 is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Local Government Committee.