Rauner calls for reducing Illinois units of government

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner says Illinois must consolidate or eliminate some of its more than 7,000 units of government.

The Republican said during his State of the State address Wednesday that Illinois has more government units than any other state. They include school districts, townships and fire protection districts.

Rauner says "taxpayers can no longer afford all of them."

Rauner's agenda calls for a task force that will be led by Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. It will identify ways to consolidate government.

Rauner pointed to steps taken by DuPage County to consolidate its government agencies. DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin's office says those efforts helped save about $30 million per year and eliminate 50 fulltime positions.

Rauner says DuPage County is "a role model for all of us."