Travel Update 04-01

This Travel Update shall serve as a follow-up to an e-mail sent to Agency Travel Coordinators on June 30, 2003. The attached page summarizes the Reimbursement Schedule applicable to employees under the jurisdiction of the Governor's Travel Control Board. These rates have been in effect since July 1, 2003. The only change in Fiscal Year 2004 rates is to the maximum lodging reimbursement rates in downstate Illinois counties. Rates for the 96 downstate counties have increased $10.00.

The following outlines the status of other areas of statewide travel:

The agreement with Citicorp Diners Club will remain in effect until September 30, 2003.

The agreements with Budget Rent-A-Car (Chicago Metro and out-of-state) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (downstate IL) will remain in effect until September 30, 2003.

Since the increase in rates for the 96 downstate Illinois counties was not published and/or filed until June 26, the FY2004 preferred hotel listing will be delayed. As most hotels listed in the July 2003 Travel Guide will continue to offer the "state rate", agencies and employees may continue to use the FY2003 listing as a guideline when making hotel reservations. Keep in mind, however, that: 1) the hotels listed may not have signed an agreement with the State for FY2004, and 2) hotels in the 96 downstate counties may offer a higher rate to reflect the July 1 increases. It is anticipated that a FY2004 Preferred Hotel Listing will be complete by August 1, 2003.

An updated "Travel Guide for State of Illinois Employees" will also be delayed.

An updated reimbursement schedule has been posted to the Travel Guide website.

As the appointed Travel Coordinator for your agency, it is your responsibility to disseminate this information to all appropriate personnel within your agency. If you have any questions, please contact the Governor's Travel Control Board at (217) 782-4705.

MMR/ms

Reimbursement Schedule