SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) today passed a measure through the Senate State Government and Veterans’ Affairs Committee that will bring much needed transparency and accountability to the state budgeting process.

The proposal, Senate Bill 2585, requires the governor’s budget office to annually produce a report containing a four-year budget forecast that also lays out detailed solutions to solve any predicted budgetary shortfalls. The report also must be posted online so it is available to the general public.

“Just like Illinois families who plan annual household budgets and are forced to find solutions when money gets tight, state officials will now be required to craft a solution to deal with potential budgetary shortfalls years in advance,” Murphy said.

The legislation was brought to Murphy by the Budgeting for Results Commission, which makes annual recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on how to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government, as well as increasing financial accountability and transparency.  

Murphy’s proposal passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 7-1and heads to the Senate Floor.