Tom Cullerton passes measure to spread DuPage model throughout Illinois
SPRINGFIELD- To mirror the success seen in DuPage County, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) has passed his initiative to streamline and remove redundancies in local government.
"Through our bipartisan work, we have made DuPage County a leader in government consolidation," Cullerton said. "It's time to use the lessons we have learned and spread our success throughout the state to save valuable taxpayer dollars."
Cullerton passed Senate Bill 2994, which requires all Illinois county boards to submit a report to the General Assembly recommending units of government that may be dissolved or consolidated.
This was the first step DuPage County took in its government consolidation efforts. Through this model, the county is projected to save taxpayers more than $100 million over the next 20 years.
Cullerton acknowledges that Illinois has more than 7,000 government entities that were developed decades ago.
"Government needs to involve with the needs of the people," Cullerton said. "It's our duty to ensure government is working efficiently for Illinois residents."
State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) carried this measure in the House.
Senate Bill 2994 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support and now moves to the governor's desk for consideration.