The Illinois Policy Institute and Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) released a new report shining the spotlight on state spending: If You Build It, Debt Will Come: A Closer Look at the Illinois Capital Spending Spree. The latest piglet book identifies a series of egregious spending examples included in the $31 billion capital bill that is paid for by more borrowing, raising taxes and fees, and expanding gambling. The Institute and CAGW have released multiple piglet books documenting questionable spending within state government.
Highlights of Capital Bill Piglet Book
$322 million in fee increases; $300 million from expanding video gaming; and $162 million in tax hikes;
$15.6 million for capital improvements to the Chicago Zoological Society;
$3,291,528 for attracting waterfowl and improving public migratory waterfowl areas;
$2.3 million for The Old Town School of Folk Music;
$337,020 for conservation for furbearing mammals; and
$100,000 for the Anderson Japanese Gardens for construction of a new pavilion.
