Quigley Announces FY 2011 Project Submissions
Press Release
Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) submitted his project requests to be considered for possible inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2011 appropriation bills. These projects, which seek to fund education, public safety, transportation, health care and environmental projects, are limited exclusively to local governments and not-for-profit organizations that serve the 5th Congressional District. Quigley and his staff toured the district, held open office hours for public input, and gave due consideration to all requests that were submitted. In the coming months, Congress will debate the FY 2011 appropriations bills, and only a limited number of submitted projects will receive their requested funding.
"One of the first bills I introduced in Congress was to end the practice of corporate earmarks, which often do the public little good and pave the way for political influence and favors," said Quigley. "When tax dollars are spent judiciously and efficiently, tax payers see the benefits every time they leave their homes with safer roads, better schools, stronger hospitals, and so much more. Additionally, it is of critical importance that these dollars are not just spent in the light of day, but asked for in a transparent way so lawmakers can be held accountable from the very beginning to the very end of this process."
According to Quigley's project principles, available here, requests must provide a justified use of taxpayers' dollars, offering a clear plan and budget. Also, to ensure both input and proper scrutiny, projects will be made available for review by the branches of local and state governments impacted by the proposals. Submissions are not funded immediately, but referred to the Appropriations Committee for review.
In July, one of Quigley's first actions in Congress was to introduce a bill permanently ban corporate earmarks. This month, the House followed Quigley's proposal for FY 2011 and banned requests for for-profits. Since his election to Congress, Quigley has posted every project request to his Web site immediately.
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