Politics & Government

Sente: Elected Officials 'Need To Do What's Right'

Rep. Carol Sente says government needs transparency, fiscal accountability.

State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) supported two fiscally responsible measures recently approved that will require elected officials to do their part to reduce state spending. Sente supported a measure signed by Gov. Pat Quinn last week that prevents elected officials from promoting themselves on billboards or electronic message boards using state dollars. Wednesday, the General Assembly also approved a Sente-backed measure to reauthorize unpaid furlough days for lawmakers

“These two measures are part of a greater shift in attitude that has been lacking in politics, and that is the simple notion of putting the needs of the public ahead of politicians,” said Sente, who represents the 59th District. “Elected officials need to do what’s right to change the culture in Springfield by bringing fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency to state government.”

Senate Bill 1344 was signed into law last week to prevent state elected officials from displaying their name, image, or voice on any billboard or electronic message board that is a public service announcement of a state administered program. This legislation is in response to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich installing large signs with his name at tollway plazas that had nothing to do with providing transportation services. Officials were previously only banned from using their name or likeness on any broadcast aired on radio or television or in printed media.

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Senate Bill 266 was approved by the General Assembly Wednesday and will require state elected officials to forgo pay raises and take 12 unpaid furlough days like they did last year. These cost saving measures will save taxpayers $636,107 per year.

“These are difficult economic times, and the state has had to make cuts across the board and these measures will help further reduce spending so we can focus on repaying our debts and moving the state forward,” Sente said. “Measures like these go a long way towards putting our fiscal house in order and making sure taxpayer money is spent in the best possible way during the recession.”

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