Quinn Signs Laws on Government Transparency

Seven months after coming into office on a vow to clean up government, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed new laws making public records, board appointments and state spending more transparent.

Quinn was joined at Monday's signing ceremony by Attorney General Lisa Madigan. She'd championed the legislation to strengthen the state's public records laws.

The new law includes training so public employees know how to comply with public records laws, and it gives the attorney general's office more authority in public records cases.

Madigan's office sought changes in the law to prevent abuse by state offices that looked for ways not to comply or to delay.

Quinn also signed laws that make it easier to get information about the state's boards and commissions and state spending.