Consolidating some of the thousands of units of local government in Illinois can help cut down on corruption. That’s according to the Better Government Association, which plans to testify at Thursday’s Unfunded Mandates and Government Consolidation Task Force hearing.

The meeting in Springfield will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and will delve into several proposals. Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association tells WMAY Springfield the BGA plans on testifying on the issue because it’s critical to helping Illinois battle corruption.

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Another barrier to government consolidation that Shaw says the state must overcome is the necessary legislative action allowing for mergers.

Thursday’s meeting is the second-to-last meeting scheduled this year before a final report with recommendations is due to the governor.