SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois politicians would be barred from promoting new programs or state grants for 60 days before an election under proposed legislation.

Sen. Jason Barickman is targeting programs like the troubled Neighborhood Recovery Initiative which former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration launched within weeks of winning the 2010 election.

An audit found the program aimed at reducing violence in Chicago neighborhoods was so poorly managed it questioned 40 percent of its expenditures. State and federal officials launched investigations.

Barickman is a Bloomington Republican and a frequent critic of the Quinn program. He says the plan would prevent officeholders and other state officials from using taxpayer money to enhance their pre-election popularity.

The measure also tightens state spending controls and paperwork requirements.

 

 

 

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