Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) applauded passage on Wednesday of an amendment that would prevent Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich from making key decisions on the use of federal funds provided in an upcoming economic stimulus package. Offered by Rep. Mark Kirk (D-IL-10th) and cosponsored by Biggert, the amendment passed in the House Appropriations Committee by voice vote. Under the amendment, the Governor’s office would be prohibited from using funds provided to the state without the approval of the Illinois General Assembly. It would not apply after Governor Blagojevich leaves office, and it would not affect funding for local governments.
“The Governor stands accused of grave abuses of state funds, and we don’t want him to do the same with these federal resources. Now is not the time to entrust him with billions of taxpayer dollars targeted at creating jobs and restoring economic growth. If he finds himself on the way out the door, this amendment would prevent him from cutting one last big check to his partners and allies.
“This is certainly an extraordinary step, but protecting taxpayer dollars from potential abuse must be a top priority. I am pleased that the House Appropriations Committee voted overwhelmingly to include this amendment, and I thank Representative Kirk for his work.”
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