Tom Cullerton’s Bill to Shrink Government Moves Forward

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Tom Cullerton’s (D-Villa Park) proposal to reduce government in DuPage County passed the Senate on Thursday. This proposal gives the DuPage County Board the ability to consolidate smaller levels of local government.

"It's no secret Illinois has way too many layers of government,” Cullerton said. “My goal here is to make DuPage County a leader in streamlining government, while at the same time ensuring taxpayers get quality services."

Cullerton’s legislation, Senate Bill 494, allows the DuPage County Board to dissolve many appointed positions to provide taxpayers with a smaller, less costly and more efficient local government. The proposal also gives the option for voters to petition against the decision of the board if they choose. Current law requires a voter referendum to remove these appointed boards and authorities.

The proposed law comes on the heels of DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin’s review of the plethora of appointed agencies throughout the county. That review found small units of government that provide sanitary, mosquito abatement and street lighting services cost taxpayers $300 million annually and employ 900 people.

Under current law, the county was limited in its streamlining efforts. Cullerton’s proposal gives Cronin and DuPage County additional powers to continue looking for savings and efficiencies.

“The legislation will provide the County with the authority to take steps to dissolve obsolete agencies without having to deal with multiple layers of government red tape,” said Cronin.

The vote on Senate Bill 494 was 51 to 0. It now advances to the Illinois House.