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DeLuca among legislators who helped override veto on debt transparency

Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, gave his support to the Debt Transparency Act that is holding state agencies accountable for their finances, gives greater transparency and will save taxpayers money.
 
“As elected officials, it is our duty to ensure that Illinois taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly,” DeLuca said. “Since 2014, the backlog of unpaid bills has increased to over $15 billion. When agencies fail to report past due bills, it results in unnecessary late fees and penalties that hard-working families are responsible for paying. The Debt Transparency Act is a necessary step to restore stability in Illinois’ finances and ultimately protect Illinois taxpayers.”
 
The new law requires state agencies to disclose the bills they are holding monthly. This will give taxpayers the true extent of the state’s debt, as well as an estimate of the penalties paid on late bills. Previously, agencies reported on an annual basis.
 
DeLuca called Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the legislation “unacceptable.” 
 
“I worked with my colleagues to override the governor’s veto (in November) in order to ensure transparency for taxpayers. Illinois families work hard and should not have to pay more to cover late fees that could have been avoided.”

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