A new report says that the Illinois Department of Transportation improperly hired hundreds of workers over the last 10 years.
The Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General released the report today. According to the report, IDOT circumvented hiring process rules. The rules are meant to prevent employers from using political affiliation as a basis for employment.
The report finds that "IDOT's improper acts have undoubtedly denied countless qualified candidates" from receiving state employment based on merit.
Yesterday, the Acting Secretary of IDOT announced that 58 staff assistants -- whose positions are at the center of the controversy -- will be laid off and their positions eliminated.