aIllinois Constitution ARTICLE VIII - FINANCE
Illinois Constitution – Article VIII: Finance
Overview:
Article VIII of the Illinois Constitution deals with the state’s financial structure, including budgeting, appropriations, public funds, and audits. Its primary goal is to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the management of state money.
Key Sections of Article VIII:
Section 1 – General Provisions
(a) The State must maintain a balanced budget:
Proposed expenditures for a fiscal year must not exceed estimated revenues.
(b) Appropriations made by the General Assembly must not exceed funds estimated to be available during that fiscal year.
💡 This section ensures that Illinois cannot legally spend more than it expects to collect in revenues.
Section 2 – State Finance
All money received by the state must be deposited into the State Treasury, unless otherwise provided by law.
Money can only be withdrawn by appropriation made by law or by other legal authority.
🔍 This creates a centralized control over public funds, reducing misuse or unauthorized spending.
Section 3 – System of Accounting
The General Assembly must provide by law a unified system of accounting for state and local governments.
This promotes consistent financial reporting and transparency.
Section 4 – Audit
The Auditor General is responsible for conducting audits of public funds.
The Auditor General is appointed by the General Assembly and serves a 10-year term.
This office has independent authority to examine the use of state funds and ensure they’re used lawfully.
📋 This is a key part of ensuring fiscal accountability in Illinois.
Summary:
Article VIII emphasizes:
Balanced budgeting.
Legislative control over spending.
Centralized treasury and proper deposit/use of funds.
Independent audits and transparency in government financial matters.
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