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Madigan Wants More Openness in Illinois Government
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is calling for transparency, accountability and openness in government. Madigan testified before the Illinois Reform Commission created by Gov. Pat Quinn. Quinn created the commission while he was lieutenant governor.

Madigan says over the past six years, agencies under the control of ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich routinely delayed responding to Freedom of Information Act requests. She alleges those agencies violated the law by denying access to public information.

"For the last six years...we have been forced to deal with a culture of secrecy that former Gov. Blagojevich imposed on state government," Madigan testified. "In many instances [Blagojevich's] agencies arrogantly refused to even respond. In fact, over the course of arguing with state agencies, a number of the agency officers told us that they were directed from the top to deny FOIA requests."

Madigan says penalties must be imposed on those who violate FOIA. She also says FOIA training must be mandatory for anyone in state government.

The commission will meet again at the end of the month to discuss campaign finance reform.

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 05 09 by Newsroom
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