Rockford Sun

State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) is trying again to combine the offices of the state treasurer and comptroller. 

Demmer recently filed legislation that will remove the state comptroller's office and consolidate the same with that of the state treasurer.

"Illinois taxpayers would be better served by having one office perform the duties of Comptroller and Treasurer," Demmer said. "Reducing state government's footprint and consolidating functions would achieve savings for taxpayers and streamline the fiscal operations of Illinois in a meaningful way."

Demmer referenced former constitutional officer-holder Judy Baar Topinka and former House Speaker Michael Madigan in his comments.

"The late Judy Baar Topinka, who served separate terms in both offices, advocated for combining Comptroller and Treasurer into one position. We can honor her memory and reform an inefficient Madigan-era relic by acting now to let the people of Illinois have the final say on approving this reform later this year," said Demmer.

Demmer said it makes more sense to have just one person in charge of streamlining the fiscal operations.

"I think by combining those two, you really have an opportunity to save money, but also to make sure that there's somebody who's responsible for both the short term and long term financial thinking for the state," Demmer said.

Demmer announced his run for state treasurer last month, pledging to give Illinois residents a choice and to be a fiscal watchdog.

In a 2020 Fiscal Budget Roadmap prepared by the Institute for Illinois Fiscal Stability, the Civic Federation supported the consolidation of the Comptroller and Treasurer's offices. In addition to recommending the merger of CTPF with TRS, the Civic Federation supports the following government consolidation initiatives:

• Consolidate local pension funds
• Merge the offices of the Illinois Comptroller and Treasurer
• Authorize any township to be dissolved by referendum
• Consolidate property tax administration roles in Cook County
• Dissolve the Illinois International Port District.

The Rochelle News-Leader reported that this isn't the first time Demmer has brought this idea forward. In the 101st general assembly, Demmer filed HJRCA 22; in the 100th general assembly, he filed HJRCA 25; and in the 99th general assembly, he was the sponsor of House Minority Leader Jim Durkin's (R-Burr Ridge) effort to combine the offices in HJRCA 3.