Cut costs without inconveniencing people

First we had the Illinois Secretary of State stop the traditional billing for license plate renewals. Then we had the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency stop notifying motorists of the need to have their vehicle tested, which was supposed to be done once every two years after the vehicle turns four years old.

Both agencies are blaming the budget standoff between Illinois' Democratic legislative leaders (Michael Madigan and John Cullerton) and Gov. Bruce Rauner, claiming they cannot afford the postage to mail their constituents.

Rather than taking such extreme measures that grossly inconvenience those they serve while simultaneously capitalizing with late fees those caught off-guard, perhaps they should first look inward.

Doing so they would soon realize both agencies are serving the same motorists. Then, by aligning the emissions renewal dates for each vehicle to coincide with its license plate renewal date. they could even share the same mailing.

For those motorists needing to take an emissions test, the mailing would direct them to an IEPA testing facility. The IEPA could then partner with the secretary of state to provide the new license plate sticker to the motorists and collect its fee, but only after passing the emissions test.

For those not needing an emissions test, the license plate renewal billing could work just like it did before.

Taking it a step further, the secretary of state could also provide for automatic debit or credit payments set up through a motorist's online account (minus the ridiculous "convenience fee" of course) just like the rest of the civilized world typically operates today.

Just think of how much bureaucratic expense might be eliminated by just these few ideas. Then again, maybe it is the bureaucracy they wish to protect.

Mark Evenson

Palatine