Topinka: New Web Portal Allows The Public To Monitor State's Finances
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has launched a new Web site that allows the public, government watchdogs, and the media to follow the state's finances more easily.
As WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, Topinka says the launch of the Web portal at ledger.illinoiscomptroller.com is a welcome change for her.
"Being the chief fiscal officer in Illinois right now is like being one of your obituary writers at the newspaper, because I've only got bad news to report all the time," Topinka said. "But this is really good news."
At the site, users can see the state's funds' balance, the amount of unpaid bills, state contracts, and employee salaries, among other data.
"I think it raises the level of transparency in our state finances for the first time ever, and it allows you and the public to follow the money in real time," Topinka said.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports
