Over Half a Million Dollars on Subscriptions

The state spent $532,451.28 on various subscriptions in 2008 and 2009.

by Mark Cavers

Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in 2008 and 2009, the state of Illinois spent $532,451.28 on subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, and other services.  Data Transmission Network Incorporated was the largest recipient of state funds, being paid $92,832.02 by The Department of Transportation in 2009.

The Data Transmission Network provides clients with “a stream of timely information tailored to the specific needs of more than a dozen different markets and segments, including agriculture, refined fuels, commodities and futures trading, public safety, aviation, turf, recreation, construction and transportation.”  The Department of Transportation also paid $60,937.79 to West Publishing Corporation in 2009, making it the second largest provider of subscription services to the state.  West Publishing “produces legal, business, and regulatory information in print and electronic services.”

The Department of Transportation as a whole spent $348,829.69 on subscriptions, more then the rest of the departments combined, including $5,398.92 on XM Satellite Radio (see below for a complete breakdown of spending by department).

You can find this information for yourself by going to IllinoisOpenGov.org, clicking on “Checks to Businesses and People” and searching for “Subscriptions” under the “category of spending” section.