Yingling Cost-Cutting Township Consolidation Bill Passes Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Monday May 29, the Illinois Senate approved a signature piece of state Rep. Sam Yingling’s, D-Grayslake, taxpayer-first agenda to reduce the size of Illinois’ bloated government and save taxpayers money.

“Earlier this year, I supported a measure to reduce property taxes for every homeowner in the state,” said Yingling. “In addition to providing residents with this critical property tax relief, we need to take steps to reform and modernize governments to ensure long-term property tax savings. My bill passed with a bi-partisan, veto0proof majority in both chambers, and I urge the governor to sign it immediately.”

House Bill 607 allows the board of trustees of a township to place the question of whether the township road district should be abolished on the ballot so that voters can decide for themselves whether a township road district should exist. Illinois has almost 7,000 units of local government—the most in the nation.

“Redundant layers of government lead to double taxation. My constituents already pay for roads on their county tax bill, and then they pay for those same services again through township taxes,” said Yingling. “Excess layers of government cause inefficiency and waste, and now residents of townships will be able to decide for themselves whether their road districts are serving a valuable purpose in their communities.”

House Bill 607 passed the House previously. The governor will have 60 days to sign it into law.