IL Voters May Decide Future of Lt. Gov. Position

Illinois voters may have the opportunity to decide whether the state should have a Lieutenant Governor.

State Representative David McSweeney, a Republican from Barrington Hills, filed House Joint Resolution by Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA 18) as chief sponsor, a measure that would abolish the post as part of his effort for greater government efficiencies. McSweeney has garnered bipartisan support, including 28 additional house members to sign on as co-sponsors.
McSweeney’s legislation passed the State Government Committee Wednesday by a vote of 16-4.
"We need to have the courage to make our government leaner, smarter and more efficient," said McSweeney. "We are in a fiscal crisis and we can’t afford the luxury of having a Lieutenant Governor."
According to House Republican staff, the state could save approximately $2 million a year by doing away with the office. "I urge my colleagues to join me and get this done," added McSweeney. "A meaningful budget cut to the bureaucracy is a great start to prove that we’re serious about cutting spending."
HJRCA 18 accompanies other cost reduction legislation filed by McSweeney. To date, McSweeney has declined a legislative pension, proposed to end all legislative pensions and has voluntarily cut his own pay and district office expenses by 10%.
If HJRCA 18 is approved, it would be placed on the 2014 ballot for voters to decide. Under the legislation, the Attorney General would be next in line to assume the duties of Governor if necessary.