CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is highlighting a little-known tool that allows taxpayers to recommend cost-saving ideas to Illinois state government.

“Through their interactions with state government, residents may be able to observe new and innovative ways for our government to save money,” said D’Amico. “Please do your part to help the state save money and submit your cost-saving ideas to the State Government Suggestion Award Board.”

The State Government Suggestion Award Board allows Illinois residents to submit ideas to eliminate wasteful state government spending. After a person submits an idea online, a panel of legislators and the relevant agency evaluate the suggestion and award up to $5,000 dollars to an individual based on the savings created by his or her idea. The idea must be original and cannot require a change in the state or federal constitution. Please see the Award Board’s website for other rules.

According to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Illinois has saved $566,021 through ideas submitted to the Award Board since 1993.

“We all work hard for our tax dollars and I don’t want to see them wasted,” continued D’Amico. “As your state representative, I will continue to fight government bloat and bureaucracy in order to make sure taxpayer money is being spent on what is truly important, like caring for seniors, funding our local schools and providing services to children and adults with disabilities.”

To submit your cost-saving idea, visit https://www.illinois.gov/gov/SGSAB/Pages/default.aspx or call D’Amico’s office at 773-736-0218.

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