Illinois diversity commission’s budget ballooning but results lag – Center Square

In 2021, state lawmakers created the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, appropriating about $3.3 million for the first fiscal year it was partially in operation. Since then, its annual appropriation has more than doubled to about $7.3 million. Much of that cost has gone toward government salaries for dozens of people who earn, on average, more than $100,000. The agency is helmed by seven governor-appointed commissioners who each earn more than $147,000, and are allowed to hold other paying jobs.