Gov. Rauner Highlights Task Force Report Calling For Consolidating Local Governments In Illinois
(CBS) -- Governor Bruce Rauner appeared in Oak Brook Monday morning to discuss streamlining costly local government entities in Illinois and ending the ongoing state budget impasse, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Governor Rauner highlighted a report on consolidating or eliminating some of Illinois' 6,900 local units of government, not an easy task.
"These entities wouldn't exist if somebody didn't want them there for some reason ok, and changing and eliminating things that currently exist, somebody's ox gets gored," Rauner said.
Some of the task force's recommendations embrace the governor's desire to limit collective bargaining and other labor related issues, but he's hopeful of support.
"In my talking with members of the General Assembly, in both Republican and Democratic caucuses, there's a lot of interest in trying to get some comprehensive improvements," Rauner said.
The governor said he's willing to see some tax increase if he gets reforms, but that has been at the heart of the ongoing standoff in Springfield.