“Department”: Any department, institution, board, commission, officer, court, or any agency of the State having power to certify payrolls to the State Comptroller authorizing payments of salary or wages against State appropriations, or against trust funds held by the State Treasurer, except those departments included under the term “employer” in the State Universities Retirement System. “Department” includes the Illinois Finance Authority. “Department” also includes the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board.