Illinois Freedom Caucus Calls for Elimination of Equity Commission, Return of Funds to Taxpayers (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling for the elimination of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, arguing the agency has failed to meet its goals and is costing taxpayers millions.
In a statement released Thursday, the group pointed to recent testimony they say shows the commission has fallen short of its mission to expand access to state contracting opportunities. Instead, caucus members contend the agency has created additional bureaucracy and barriers for businesses seeking to work with the state.
The commission, established to promote equity in state procurement, has come under criticism from the caucus, which claims participation has declined under its oversight. The group also raised concerns about commissioner salaries, alleging members are paid $150,000 annually.
“After recent testimony, it is clear this Commission is doing the exact opposite of what it was created to do,” said Rep. Brad Halbrook and the Illinois Freedom Caucus. “The taxpayers have paid millions of dollars for failure, plain and simple. We don’t need to fund this commission once again, we need to abolish it and start over. JB Pritzker needs to take accountability for this commission under his watch, do the right thing, and deliver some accountability for Illinoisans.”
The caucus is urging lawmakers and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to dismantle the commission and redirect its funding back to taxpayers. Supporters of the agency, however, have argued it plays a key role in ensuring fair access to state contracts, though further legislative debate is expected.
Illinois Freedom Caucus Calls for Elimination of Equity Commission, Return of Funds to Taxpayers
