A press release from State Rep. David McSweeney:
Rep. David McSweeney Calls for Investigation of $10 million State Grant to Chicago-based Film Company
Cary, Illinois… In response to recent revelations about state grant money given to Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has asked State of Illinois Auditor General, William Holland, to investigate the situation to determine if taxpayers’ money has been misused.
Recent news stories have exposed how the $10 million grant former Governor Pat Quinn’s Administration released to Cinespace for land acquisition has been cashed, but not yet been used to purchase land.
In fact, many of the landowners listed in the grant application have indicated they are not interested in selling their land.
The grant application came on Nov. 13, 2014, just nine days after Governor Quinn lost his bid for reelection, and was approved on Dec. 1, 2014 despite the fact that the grant application contained no appraisals for the value of the land the film company was hoping to purchase.
“I have sent a request to State Auditor William Holland to ask for an investigation of the grant money issued to Cinespace,” McSweeney said.
“The State of Illinois can’t afford to be handing out money to companies that fail to use the money for the stated purpose of the grant.
“The people of Illinois need assurances that their hard-earned tax dollars are not being wasted and misused.”
McSweeney said there are some serious questions about the grant money Cinespace received.
According to media reports, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity had no evidence of any pending contracts for the company to purchase any of the properties listed in the grant application.
The company also received the grant despite past problems meeting the state’s reporting requirements for previous grant money the company received.
“There are just too many questions surrounding the process in which Cinespace received $10 million in state grant money and what has transpired after the grant was received,” McSweeney said.
“These are questions I hope the Auditor General will be able to answer.”
Another governor going to jail?
Pay close attention McHenry County Board members and other County elected officials!!!
Quid pro quo only goes unnoticed when everyone is playing on the same team.
This is no longer the case in Springfield and the growing County Board ‘minority’ will impact the County.
HE SHOULD!
Remember this picture?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202256460364572&set=a.1359238792666.2046450.1582422915&type=1&theater
Quinn with one of our Local 150 boys, who has been accused of being an enforcer. He is also mentioned several times in legal documents.
Yep, Blago will have a room mate!
All while he was rapping us tax payers with his high tax rates from our payroll… sickening…. just makes me sick!
Go Rauner
I’m sure your going to uncover much more as time goes on!
They will make wonderful cell buddies!
Quinn, talked about the evils of corruption, that manipulative sap!.
Some are complaining about Rauner.
Apparently, they like the high taxes and the cost of corruption!
Thank you Rep. McSweeney.
It’s good to know that you are examining these last- minute multiple-million-dollar back-room deals.
Those that make these deals and expect others to pay for them are shameless.
Pat Quinn now receives a monthly pension of $11,396 for having handed out other people’s honestly earned money.
Is the $10 million tif money?
What is difference between grant giveaways and tif giveaways?