Politics & Government

Legislative Board Seeks Waste-Cutting Ideas

The State Government Suggestion Award Board will deliver financial awards to Illinois residents whose ideas on how to reduce spending are proven effective.

Continuing her efforts to find new, efficient ways to cut the state budget, State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) is urging all local residents to submit their money-saving ideas to the State Government Suggestion Award Board.

“As our lawmakers and state agencies continue to look for ways to cut wasteful spending, it is important that we open up this process to the public,” Sente said. “I have worked to help save the state money by electing to cut my own pay and passing budgeting for outcomes legislation to require a line-by-line review of the budget. I recognize that every dollar counts and I believe that no option should be overlooked in the effort to cut costs for the state.”

The State Government Suggestion Award Board allows Illinois residents to submit ideas to help eliminate wasteful spending. The board is made up of a panel of legislators who work with the agency that each idea pertains to in order to determine if the idea can be implemented. For ideas that result in actual money saved, an individual can be awarded between $50 and $5,000 depending on total savings to the state.

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The guidelines for participation in the Award Board include being a resident of Illinois and not taking the idea from a state report or study. Additionally, the idea cannot require a change in the state or federal constitution. It is also important to note that if the person submitting the idea has a job that requires them to solve problems dealing with the same subject matter as their idea, they will not eligible for the award.

“Across Illinois, families are coming up with new ways to tighten their belts and save money and some of these ideas may very well work for our state government,” Sente said. “The State Government Suggestions Award Board will give everyone in Illinois a chance to speak up and help bring about real change. I encourage all residents to send in their helpful suggestions to get the state back on the right economic track.”

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For more information on the State Government Suggestion Award Board, contact Sente at (847) 478-9909 or click here.

— Submitted by the office of Carol Sente


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