Executive Order Number 09-03

Executive Order Number 09-03 (PDF, 129 KB)

Executive Order Creating the "Taxpayer Action Board"

WHEREAS, as Governor of the State of Illinois, it is my duty to ensure accountability and efficiency in the State's operations and provision of services; and

WHEREAS, my proposed budget for FY 2010 meets the immediate challenges of the year ahead; however, long-term concerns remain that cannot be fixed without significant reforms that streamline operations and restructure organizations within government and achieve efficiencies in managing grants and purchasing services; and

WHEREAS, the fiscal challenges faced by the State of Illinois cannot solely be resolved in the ordinary process of budget review and legislative action; and

WHEREAS, innovative solutions result from the input of a diverse group of individuals with expertise in both private and public sectors;

THEREFORE, I, Patrick J. Quinn, Governor of Illinois, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Article V of the Illinois State Constitution of 1970, hereby order as follows:

1. CREATION

   There is hereby created the Taxpayer Action Board (hereinafter "Board") as an independent advisory body having the duties set forth in this document, with respect to the Office of the Governor.

2. PURPOSE

   The purpose of this Board is to review the State's operations and services to identify major fiscal and structural impediments and to make recommendations on how to meet the needs of the People of Illinois in a fiscally responsible manner. The Board shall:

   1. Evaluate all state programs and recommend new approaches to dealing with fiscal challenges, while reaffirming the State's commitment to children, working families, taxpayers, and seniors; and
      
      
   2. Propose, as it deems appropriate, amendments to existing law or new legislation, as well as other policy or operational reforms, which will improve the State’s operations; and
      
      
   3. Draft, to the extent feasible, proposed statutory language, new or amended administrative regulations, and other documents, as the Board deems appropriate, or outlines of any such documents, implementing the Board’s policy recommendations; and
      
      
   4. Submit, not later than June 1, 2009, an initial report outlining its findings and recommendations to the People of Illinois and to the Governor; and
      
      
   5. Ensure, with the logistical assistance of the Office of the Governor, that the report and recommendations of the Board are available to the public; and
      
      
   6. Conduct its business at regular meetings, open to the public, in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.) (see infra Section V)
      
      
3. MEMBERSHIP

   The Board shall be composed of a Chairperson and at least 20 Board Members. The Chairperson and the Board members shall be appointed by the Governor. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation.

4. INDEPENDENCE
   
   
   1. The Board shall function as an independent advisory body, with the discretion to arrange its affairs and proceedings in the manner it deems appropriate.
      
      
   2. The Board may, at its discretion, appoint individuals to serve as staff persons.
      
      
   3. The Governor's Office shall, upon the request of the Chairperson, provide administrative and technical support to the operations of the Board.
      
      
5. TRANSPARENCY

   In addition to whatever policies or procedures it may adopt, all operations of the Board will be subject to the provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) and the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.). This section shall not be construed so as to preclude other statutes from applying to the Board and its activities.

6. EFFECTIVE DATE

   This Order shall take effect immediately upon its execution.

Pat Quinn, Governor
Issued by Governor: March 20, 2009
Filed with Secretary of State: March 20, 2009