Grant transparency bill headed to the governor

SPRINGFIELD-State Senator Dan Kotowski’s, D-Park Ridge, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, which requires greater accountability of grant funding recipients, passed the Senate Thursday and is headed to the governor’s desk.

“This measure makes sure that we invest in the best performing grant recipients and prevents questionable organizations and individuals with criminal histories from getting taxpayer money,” Kotowski said. “We will have greater oversight and increased transparency over grant money, so that we can fund what works and get rid of what doesn’t.”

House Bill 2747 adds criteria to ensure that the best performing agencies continue to receive grant funding.

It also creates a new list of suspended grant recipients which prevents individuals with a conflict of interest or criminal history from receiving grant money.

The legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support.