SR0580 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0580 LRB099 12530 MST 35990 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In recent fiscal years, grants to various entities throughout the State have been closely examined for their efficiency and usage of State funding; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 2011, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios received a grant of $5 million for a portion of the overall costs necessary to purchase both the Central Plant and the North Plant of the former Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. Steel Plant for the creation of a film studio; and

WHEREAS, On March l, 2012, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios received a grant of $1.3 million for the funding of energy efficiency measures that include, but are not limited to, steam boiler, pumps, and lighting to be installed at its facility in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 2012, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios received a grant of $1 million for a portion of the overall costs necessary to purchase the South Plant of the former Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. Steel Plant for the creation of a film studio; and

WHEREAS, On August 1, 2013, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios received a grant of $10 million to go toward costs associated with the purchase of a commercial property located at 1420 South Rockwell Street in Chicago, which is adjacent to the previously purchased properties, and to reimburse the grantee for prior incurred costs associated with construction and renovation activities conducted during 2012 and 2013 at the previously purchased "Central Plant", "North Plant", and "South Plant"; and

WHEREAS, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios returned a $10 million grant after significant concerns were raised; and

WHEREAS, Many questions exist surrounding the timing and utilization of the multiple State grants that Cinespace Chicago Film Studios has accepted; and

WHEREAS, It is the duty of the leaders of this State to guarantee that State grants are being utilized in a way that benefits Illinois and that they are used for the purpose that they were originally granted; and

WHEREAS, $17.3 million in grants have been given to Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, and there have been significant concerns about large grants dispersed to the Studio; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Office of the Auditor General is directed to conduct a performance audit of all State grant funds appropriated to Cinespace Chicago Film Studios from the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and any other organization or agency relevant to this audit to provide the Office of the Auditor General with all information that may be necessary to the completion of this audit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Office of the Auditor General commence this audit as soon as practical and report its findings and recommendations upon completion, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Office of the Auditor General.