Using information from our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008 and 2009 (up until the time of our FOIA request),
the Department of Corrections spent $1,207,068.26 on travel expenses. The majority of this ($604,711.55) was spent on travel expenses and
allowances for paroled and discharged prisoners. The Department of Corrections maintains a program which provides inmates with a grant of money for travel and expenses which may be paid in installments. The remainder of the money was spent on travel reimbursements for employees, contractors, and other individuals. The largest recipients of these state funds were Johnson Springfield Ventures, Joliet-55 Lodging Associates and Fulton Comfort Inn & Suites, which all received over $11,000 from the state.
At an individual level, 95 people received over $1,000 in reimbursements from the state, accounting for $166,657.03 in travel expenses.
You can find this information for yourself by going to IllinoisOpenGov.org, clicking on the Checks to Businesses & People section and searching for travel in the category of spending section.