SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would ensure entire communities are not permanently denied access to state grant funding.
“Government accountability is important, but government should not be punitive to the people it serves,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “When elected officials make mistakes and are held accountable for their actions, entire communities should not be permanently cut off from resources that could improve the community.”
The legislation would create a statutory pathway for units of local government to be removed from Illinois’ permanent stop-payment list after a designated period of time, allowing communities to once again apply for and receive state grants intended to support residents, infrastructure and local services. This would create a fairer statewide policy for local governments across Illinois.
Senate Bill 807 passed the Senate on Thursday.
