State Launches Whistleblower Website

By Prescott Carlson in News on Apr 16, 2009 9:32PM

Somewhat lost amongst all the tax day Tea Parties yesterday was something that could actually have a direct action on how government works around here. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced the launch of a new state website, whistleblower.ilinois.gov, which gives the scoop on how citizens -- even government employees -- can spill the goods on known corruption in state and local government. The seed of this program started in 1991, when Quinn was a part of a team that helped enact a "state whistleblower protection act" to shield people from retaliation for coming forward. The Illinois Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act, introduced by Rep. John Fritchey, and which went into affect January 1, 2008, expanded those protections further and sweetened the pot -- the "whistleblower" now can get a reward of "up to 30% of the amount recovered as a reward upon completion of a successful whistleblower suit.."

While wiping out corruption in Illinois has a decidedly long way to go, hopefully some added awareness about the protection and benefits to exposing it will help encourage people to take some action. Can we work on reporting government corruption directly online next? [S-T]