It's an important distinction. Some candidates have now filed campaign finance disclosures showing the value of the salaries of the legislative staffers and the cost of their health insurance as in kind contributions from their party committees. Public Access has filed FOIA requests for records of these reimbursements. State Comptroller Dan Hynes has agreed to cooperate but he has not yet provided the data. Senate President Pate Philip and House Speaker Mike Madigan have requested extensions for compliance or denial and then blown their date constituting a denial.
Demand letters are about to be sent threatening additional court action.