SPRINGFIELD – County officials are now required to clearly identify pay raises for public employees as part of their annual budgets, with the signing today by Go. Pat Quinn of a bill sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman and State Rep. John Cabello.

"This move toward more transparency in local government is the result of a bipartisan effort with Representative Cabello," said Stadelman, a Democrat whose Senate district includes the House district represented by Cabello, a Republican. "I was glad that our colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed with the merits of this legislation."

The new law requires officials in all Illinois counties to include in their annual budgets a detailed statement showing any bonuses or increases in any salary, wage, stipend or other form of compensation for every agency, department or other entity receiving an appropriation from the county.

"I believe this legislation will lead to greater transparency when county salaries and pay increases are allocated," Stadelman said. "This is an effort to keep the taxpayers aware of how their tax dollars are being spent."