SPRINGFIELD – Every year, the State of Illinois receives billions of dollars in federal money that helps offset the cost of everything from school funding to health care services for low-income residents. The federal funds do not appear automatically, however, as state agencies must apply for available grants to receive the funds.

At a time when there is increased pressure on the state budget, State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) has introduced a plan that would ensure the state is taking full advantage of all available federal grants.

“Common sense dictates the state maximize the use of available federal dollars during these tough fiscal times,” Morrison said. “It is nothing short of wasteful for the state to be passing up these funds.”

Morrison’s plan, contained in Senate Bill 3449, would require state agencies to produce a report every two years outlining the amount of federal funds the agency received but did not spend, as well as federal grants that the agency was eligible to apply for but did not.

The report would also include figures on how many federal grants requiring state-matching funds the state missed due to a failure to apply.

“It is my hope this plan will push state agencies to apply for every available federal grant and resource that will bring in more money to the state."

Senate Bill 3449 was introduced today by Morrison.