Gov. Rauner touts government consolidation legislation

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner has announced proposals he says would help shrink Illinois government and its costs. The proposals include legislation allowing voters to decide whether to dissolve units of local government.

The Republican publicized four bills Friday in Naperville. Officials there are considering merging road-maintenance services with a township.

Three bills are aimed at making township consolidation easier with specific plans for Evanston and DuPage County. The other allows voters to petition for a referendum.

Rauner says the proposals are a step toward "reducing layers of redundant bureaucracy" for Illinois' roughly 7,000 government units.

The legislation stems from a task force led by Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti that offered dozens of recommendations, including some reflecting the first-term governor's push to curb union influence.

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The bills include: HB4968 and HB4967.