Governor Pat Quinn signs Executive Order to Increase Transparency for State Boards and Commissions

CHICAGO - April 9, 2009. At a meeting of the Illinois Reform Commission, Governor Pat Quinn signed an executive order to make appointments to Illinois boards and commissions more transparent and accessible. Under the executive order, the Governor launched Appointments.Illinois.gov, a website that allows Illinois citizens to access information about members and vacancies in the state's 300 boards and commissions.

"With this executive order, we are taking another step toward achieving the open, honest and transparent government that the people of Illinois deserve," said Governor Quinn. "I want to make sure that everyone who is qualified has a fair shot at serving on our state's boards and commissions."

Increasing transparency will ensure to the public that future administrations will meet the highest ethical standards in appointments to state boards and commissions.

By visiting Appointments.Illinois.gov, those interested will be able to view all state boards and commissions, get information about their purposes and see lists of the members. In addition, Illinois residents can fill out online applications for those appointments that are made by the Governor. There are hundreds of vacancies on Illinois' boards and commissions.

In January, Governor Quinn issued an executive order creating the Illinois Reform Commission, chaired by former assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins. The commission examines government's ethics, rules and practices in order to clean up state government. The commission recently unveiled its initial legislative proposals and will submit final recommendations to the Governor by the end of the month.