Good Government Archives

$800,000 for Employees of the State Universities Civil Service System

In 2008, the State Universities Civil Service System paid its 18 employees over $800,000.

$2.5 Million to Bridge Tenders

by Mark Cavers In 2008, the Department of Transportation paid 33 bridge tenders $2,515,550.28 in combined total wages. The 13 highest paid tenders all made over $90,000, and 29 of the 33 made over $60,000. Bridge tenders are responsible for operating “a vertical lift, horizontal swing or basque electrically controlled bridge.” This position requires “knowledge, skill and mental development...

Landscape Architects on the State Payroll Receive 31% Higher Wages

In 2008, the 9 landscape architects on the state payroll received wages that were almost $20,000 higher than the average annual wages for all landscape architects in Illinois.

$750K Grant to Consolidated Grain & Barge Co.

In fiscal year 2009, the DCEO gave the Consolidated Grain & Barge Co a $750K grant to expand their operations in Mound City, Illinois.

11 New Signers of Transparency Pledge

The Transparency Pledge has received bi-partisan support with 6 Republicans and 5 Democrats signing the pledge since April 20th.

The Governor’s Horticulturist

In 2008, the Governor's Office employed a horticulturist who cost taxpayers $61,000.

$1.6 Million to International Coal Group, Inc

In fiscal year 2009, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave International Coal Group, Inc a $1.6 million dollar grant as part of the Coal Competitiveness Program.

The Governor’s Entourage: 2008

In 2008, the Governor's office employed numerous staff members to keep the residence up and running.

$45K on Butlers for Governor’s Mansion

In 2008, the Governor's Office employed three butlers who each made over $2,500 per month.

More Information on State Interns

Following up on a blog from yesterday, we found 54 more interns, include 5 who received more than $40,000 in 2008.

How Much Do Interns with the State of Illinois Get Paid?

Almost half the interns with the State of Illinois made over $10,000 in 2008.

Almost Two Million Dollars to Put Up Signs

by Mark Cavers In 2008, the State of Illinois employed 38 individuals to help with the production and placement of signs across the Illinois highway system. These employees, ranging from sign makers, to hangers to supervisors, were paid a combined total of $1,822,653.47 in wages. The highest paid employee, a supervisor in a sign shop,...

Social Workers on State Payroll

In 2008, social workers in all of Illinois made 17% less, on average, than social workers employed by the State of Illinois.

April 28 Update from the Capitol

John Tillman discusses the passage of the Sunshine Act, an important bill that will allow citizens to hold government accountable.