Illinois holds two dubious distinctions: First, we have more units of government than any other state; second, we are losing population faster than any other state. I believe that the mass exodus is at least partly the result of the crushing burden we pile upon Illinois taxpayers to pay for a bloated government. Just look at your tax bill and the number of taxing authorities reaching into your pocket.
In Illinois, a law on the books enables the consolidation of local units of government. This is an important step in the right direction, and most importantly, it gives voters the power to reshape and streamline their government – making it more efficient and accountable.
I believe Illinois needs to step up and do its part. Smart consolidation means eliminating duplicitous services, inefficiencies, holes in operations, and support for systems that harbor patronage and waste. With a few prudent changes, we could save tens of millions of dollars in state government waste.
At the state level, I support combining the nearly identical offices of the Comptroller and Treasurer. I also believe the duties of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor could be combined.
Saving tax dollars through consolidation on the local level saves property tax dollars. On the state level, it would save dollars collected from taxpayers through the income tax.
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