Now shuttered, College of DuPage's Waterleaf Restaurant drew attention to outlandish expenses
SPRINGFIELD – In a win for taxpayers, a bill to require better accounting for local government expenditures has passed both legislative chambers, according to Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills), the House sponsor of the legislation.
House Bill 4379 creates the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act, which prohibits entertainment expenses and limits expenses for travel, meals and lodging for local officials. The bill is designed to prevent additional wasteful expenditures by some community colleges, school districts and other local governments.
“Illinois property taxes are too high and we need to reduce them. This legislation is meant to help reduce local expenditures," McSweeney said.
HB 4379 requires local governments to put in writing what travel, meal, and lodging expenses are allowed, standardize documentation forms, and establish maximum allowable reimbursements. It further requires a roll call vote to approve such expenses for local officials.
HB4379 passed the Senate today by a vote of 54-0 and is sponsored by Senator Thomas Cullerton (D-Villa Park).
