HR1215 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1215 LRB095 20874 HLH 49732 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the lead State agency for economic development in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In that capacity, DCEO expended over $730 million in Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations for community and business development, technology and industrial competitiveness, tourism, coal development and marketing, and other projects to encourage economic development; and

WHEREAS, Efficient and effective management of the State's economic development programs is critical to the fiscal soundness of the State, local communities, business, and Illinois workers; and

WHEREAS, The management and program audit released in February of 2006, conducted by the Auditor General, outlined definitive shortcomings in such areas as performance measurement effectiveness and methodology, documentation accuracy, program monitoring, and the tracking and compliance of statutory mandates; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Auditor General is directed to conduct a follow-up audit of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's administration of its economic development programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the audit include, but need not be limited to, the following determinations: (i) whether DCEO's economic development programs are operated in conformity with applicable federal and State requirements; (ii) whether DCEO has established and implemented procedures to periodically review both the efficiency and effectiveness of its economic development programs; (iii) whether DCEO has in place appropriate monitoring and reporting procedures to ensure that it receives timely and accurate information from its grant and loan recipients; (iv) whether DCEO's reported performance measures are periodically reviewed and adequately supported by underlying documentation; and (v) whether DCEO's performance measures indicate that its economic development programs are effective in accomplishing their stated purposes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and its predecessor agencies, recipients of State funds, and any other entity or person that may have information relevant to this audit cooperate fully and promptly with the Auditor General's Office in the conduct of this audit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Auditor General commence this audit as soon as possible and distribute the report upon completion in accordance with Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to the Auditor General and to the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.