Better Government Association Backs Tom Cullerton's Government Efficiency Bill

VILLA PARK - The Better Government Association joined Senator Tom Cullerton in urging Governor Rauner to sign Cullerton's government efficiency bill. The legislation, SB2994, directs Illinois counties to prepare a report for the General Assembly listing units of local government to be cut or consolidated.

"Illinois has over 7,000 units of local government, many of which were developed at a time when counties had vastly different administrative needs and expectations," said Cullerton. "Many of these jurisdictions are redundant, wasteful, and inefficient. Cutting and consolidating units of local government is one of the most important steps towards solving the state's financial crisis."

SB2994 passed the legislature and is waiting the governor's signature. It uses a model that has already been successful in DuPage County, which recently eliminated the Naperville Street Lighting District. Through cuts and consolidations of this nature, DuPage county officials expect that they will save their taxpayers $100 million over the next 20 years.

The Better Government Association, a watchdog organization that advocates efficiency and accountability in government urged the governor in a letter to sign SB2994 "to increase transparency and accountability" in local and state government. Officials at the Better Government Association look forward to the reforms that the bill will bring about, and applaud its dedication to improving local government on the basis of hard data and analysis. "At the BGA, we believe that any streamlining effort must be built on the context of good information," BGA Policy Manager Judy Stevens said in support of the bill.

Tom Cullerton is running for state senate in the 23rd Legislative District. A U.S. Army veteran, father, and public servant, Tom is a strong advocate for middle-class families and responsible government. He has spearheaded and passed bipartisan legislation to increase fiscal responsibility, make college more affordable, invest in small businesses, and protect veterans.