2004 Year in Review

Consolidating Illinois' state offices

A group of state Republican leaders wants to give Illinois voters the opportunity to decide if the state should streamline its constitutional offices and save taxpayer dollars.

Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, House Republican Leader Tom Cross and State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka are calling for state Constitutional amendments that would consolidate the offices of Illinois Treasurer and Comptroller, and eliminate the office of Lieutenant Governor – for an estimated cost savings of $17 million per year. If adopted by the General Assembly this spring, voters will consider the amendments statewide on the November 2004 ballot. If approved by voters, the office realignment will become effective in 2006, after the current office holders’ terms have expired.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
February 16, 2004