Springfield, IL….Committed to eliminating taxpayer abuse, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) authored legislation to ban taxpayer-funded billboards or electronic message boards promoting a state administered program bearing the name, picture or voice of a state executive branch constitutional officer or legislator. The Illinois House approved House Bill 286 unanimously this week.

“I introduced this bill in response to complaints from several of my constituents who believed that the Illinois Tollway signs bearing former Governor Blagojevich’s name were a misuse of state funds. Billboards should be used to highlight state programs and services available for taxpayers — not for political promotion,” Rep. Coulson said.

Although former Governor Blagojevich’s name has been removed from the Illinois Tollway signs in recent weeks, Rep. Coulson is confident that her legislation will prevent this type of self advertising moving forward.

“Illinois is facing a significant economic downturn and most families are tightening their purse strings and cutting costs. I am committed to protecting taxpayers from wasteful government spending,” Rep. Coulson said.

House Bill 286 heads to the Senate for approval.