During a Friday, 9-30 morning press conference, Illinois House Republicans, led by House Republican Leader Tony McCombei, focused on problems revealed by two Illinois General Reports issued by Auditor General Frank J. Mautino’s office regarding three state agencies.
The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) report indicated the agency had more failures than last year’s review, with similar agency promises that things would improve. Problems included waiting days, weeks, or months for DCFS to notify authorities, ranging from prosecutors to school districts, when a ‘calamity’ strikes.
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has not kept other law enforcement agencies up-to-date on sex offenders in their towns.
Another hearing last week revealed problems with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The hearing called attention to the severity of issues in the professional licensing process. Businesses cannot open, and the economy suffers when the licensing process is slow or rife with regulations.
Illinois requires licenses for retail stores, food establishments, daycare centers, manufacturing facilities, auto repair shops, and many more. Licenses in Chicago can range from $165 for a daycare facility to $6,600 for caterers outside of city limits. Aurora requires a business license for liquor establishments, pawn shops, second-hand stores, home-based daycares, and more. Any company operating within the corporate limits of Joliet must have a license, and certain businesses like billiard halls, food service establishments, tattoo artists, and ice cream trucks must register with the City Clerk’s office.
Leader McCombie said there was excuse after excuse, all blaming agency directors, budgets, staffing needs, and more.
“These systematic problems go beyond these repeated excuses,” McCombie said. “We need to acknowledge the problems. The reports provide answers as to where the fault actually lies. As lawmakers, it’s up to us to make the changes we need for the people of Illinois and those who rely on these agencies for their well-being.”
The Auditor General is a constitutional officer of the State of Illinois. The auditor general reviews the obligation, expenditure, receipt, and use of public funds. The office issues about 150 state agency post-audits each year, reviewing an agency’s financial records, compliance with State and federal laws and regulations, and program.