Attorney General Madigan: Fine Governments That Withhold Public Documents

Attorney General Madigan: Fine Governments That Withhold Public Documents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants to slap governments with up to a $1,000 fine for denying citizens the right to view public documents.

Madigan announced the fines Wednesday in Springfield during an ethics committee meeting, saying she wants more transparency in government.

The Chicago Democrat says now is the time to beef up ethics enforcement after ousting Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The former governor's administration routinely denied requests for public documents.

Madigan says Blagojevich's secrecy "at best, enabled his abuse of power and, at worst, enabled him to break the law." The former governor has denied any wrongdoing.

Madigan's proposal is part of a multifaceted approach to build up government trust after Blagojevich was accused of using his office for personal benefit.

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