Rauner Seeks To Combine Local Government Units in Illinois

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

A new task force is being created to find ways to combine units of local government in Illinois.

The state has nearly 7,000 local government units, the most in the nation. Gov. Bruce Rauner says the task force he’s creating in his latest executive order will save money, but it may also change the reputation of government in Illinois.

“These inefficient layers of government…have got to be brought down so we can help reduce this environment that we have that is conducive to corruption and self-dealing,” Rauner said.

There have been consolidation efforts done in recent years on smaller scales, such as a 2013 law allowing easier elimination of local units of government in DuPage County.

The task force will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. It’s due to report back with its findings by the end of the year.