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Proposals to Create Public Financing for Election Campaigns
Two bills introduced this week aim to create a public financing system for statewide political campaigns in Illinois.

State Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) sponsors the House bill, and Senator Jackie Collins (D-Chicago) the Senate bill that encourages the "Lincoln Act," which would propose contribution limits on candidates running for a statewide office such as governor, lieutenant governor, state senator, etc.

Candidates would have the option to participate in the program, but would not be required. If they do participate, contributors would be able to give their candidate of choice a maximum of $500. For the first $100 of each contribution, the state would match the amount three to one. That means for every one dollar contributed, the state would contribute three. Burns estimates the Lincoln Act could cost the state around 100 million dollars during a gubernatorial election year.

Both bills were introduced this week and have been assigned to committees for further discussion.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 06 09 by Newsroom
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