On the heels of her vote against an income tax increase, state Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is urging local taxpayers to submit their ideas about ways to cut state spending to a virtually unknown state panel designed to investigate public suggestion on cost-saving measures.
“In our current economy, every legitimate way to save taxpayer money should be considered,” said Gordon. “Every dollar helps, especially when we are talking about the dollars contributed by the hard-working men and women of Illinois. That why I forewent the traditional taxpayer funded end-of-session newsletter, have chosen not to participate in the General Assembly Scholarship program, and why I have voted to cut my own pay. If someone has a good idea of how we can save tax dollars, it ought to be fully explored.”
The State Government Suggestion Award Board allows Illinois residents to submit ideas to help eliminate wasteful spending in state government. The suggestion is reviewed by a panel of legislators who work with the agency that would be impacted to see if the idea is able to be implemented and evaluate its merits. For ideas that result in actual money saved, the individual who made the suggestion would be awarded between $50 and $5000 dollars depending on the amount the state saves. There are nine rules for participation in the award board, including, but not limited to: being a resident of Illinois; not taking the idea from a state report or study; and not requiring a change in the state or federal constitution. One is also prevented from receiving the award if the suggestion is a part of a problem or procedure that they are paid to solve for their employment.
Gordon says she is calling attention to the board because it is a little-known tool for taxpayers and elected officials to identify ways to cut costs. Despite cutting nearly $3 billion from the state budget last year and instituting monumental pension reforms to save taxpayers billions of dollars, the Peoria lawmaker says there are always ways to make state government more efficient and less costly.
“Lawmakers are immersed in state government, but often do not get to experience the day-to-day operations of state agencies or departments,” said Gordon. “If someone has reason to think the state could perform its services for cheaper, then that’s something that should be shared with lawmakers and this suggestion board. The State Government Suggestion Award Board allows individuals who have first-hand knowledge of government to submit their various ideas for review, and provides rewards for ideas that actually result in real savings.”
For more information on how to submit ideas to the State Government Suggestion Award Board, please contact Gordon’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.