In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity paid out over $640,000 in renewable energy resources program rebates to 91 individuals, businesses, schools and non-profits.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave the Chicago Architecture Foundation a $200,000 tourism grant to fund projects such as a state-of-the-art scale model of Chicago.

New transparency tool from the Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave $101,500 to the Chicago International Film Festival in fiscal year 2009, including an $80,000 grant.

Various state agencies spent over half a million dollars on registration fees and conference expenses in 2008 and 2009. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Transportation were among the agencies that spent the most.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave three grants totaling more than $100,000 to Vintage Tech Recyclers Inc. in 2008.

The Department of Employment Security spent over $150K on envelopes in 2008 and 2009.

The annual threat to school programs and teacher positions is on again.

The State of Illinois spent $30K per year in 2008 and 2009 for membership and association dues to the Delta Regional Authority.