East Central Reporter

Chris Miller, a state representative for Illinois House District 101, has commented on the findings from an investigation into the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Vault Operations. The investigation revealed $1 million in waste and may be linked to efforts by progressive Democrats to advance a proposed 6.25% service tax statewide.

"We Need DOGE in Illinois Now," said Chris G. Miller, State Representative for 101st District (R), according to Facebook. "Could this be why progressive Dems want to push a 6.25% service tax across the state to compensate for $1 million wasted??"

According to a report by WGN 9, which was referenced in Representative Chris Miller's Facebook post, the investigation found that since 2020, employees of the CTA's Vault Operations were paid to work remotely at least two days per week despite their duties being unsuitable for remote work. The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) determined that non-managerial employees received over $1 million during periods when they performed no CTA work. This investigation began after a complaint on May 8, 2024, alleged violations of CTA policies by an employee, including allowing staff to leave the secure treasury facility during work hours and granting former employees access.

Screenshot of State Representative Chris Miller's May 29 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller's Facebook page

The OEIG report states that the Vault Operations unit is responsible for handling bulk currency from CTA fareboxes. As of December 2021, it employed ten people; however, by June 2024, staffing had reduced significantly. The report includes details about employee duties and timekeeping procedures and mentions that some managers identified in the investigation are no longer with the agency. The CTA responded by noting savings of $2.1 million since March 2021 due to unfilled vacancies and implementing new telework regulations.

In a statement to WGN 9, the CTA confirmed its cooperation with the investigation and highlighted that only ten individuals out of its total workforce of 11,400 were involved in these issues. It also emphasized that those responsible for mismanagement are no longer employed there.

Miller has been serving in the Illinois State House of Representatives since his election in 2019. He is an Illinois native and operates as a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He holds an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Science in Education.