The Illinois House has unanimously approved changes to state purchasing laws that tighten changes enacted in 2009 after former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached and imprisoned for political corruption.
The vote on Representative Al Riley's legislation was 114-0. The Olympia Fields Democrat took a measure that began as the Senate's "grand bargain" budget compromise and added information he received from statewide hearings he initiated last winter.
The Illinois Senate measure tweaked 2009 rules determined to be overly burdensome. It allows state purchasing cooperation with federal agencies and consortiums. It makes it easier for vendors to register and submit a bid.
Riley's changes address the use of soybean and vegetable oil ink, sanctions against violations of the law, and making sure minority and women-owned businesses who believe they've been unfairly treated have their grievances heard.
