Measure would lead to cost savings for Illinois Taxpayers

CHICAGO, IL — Days before the Governor gives his annual budget address State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) spoke during a press conference on an amendment he is sponsoring to eliminate the State Treasurer’s Office. This bi-partisan effort would lead to cost savings for Illinois taxpayers of approximately $12 million annually.

"There is a lot of crossover between the offices and this measure provides needed consolidation in Illinois government," Senator Raoul said. "This is another step toward good fiscal government in the state."

This movement stems from Senator Raoul’s efforts to consolidate the offices of State Treasurer and State Comptroller during the previous legislative session. Raoul introduced Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4, however it did not pass out of the State House of Representatives. Now the measure is moving forward as SJRCA-13.

"I am pleased to have the support of Treasurer Dan Rutherford and Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka on this measure." Raoul said. "I am also working closely with State Senator Matt Murphy on this resolution."

This resolution is slated to be addressed in the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday. If this resolution passes the Illinois General Assembly by a 3/5th vote then it can be placed on the ballot in 2012 as a constitutional amendment for Illinois voters. If approved by voters this constitutional amendment will lead to one office – the Comptroller of the Treasury, being on the ballot in the next statewide election in 2014.