Gov. OKs Cutting Dozens of Boards, Commissions

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has authorized eliminating and consolidating dozens of state boards and commissions.

Quinn issued the order approving the shrinking of government groups Friday.

Quinn's directive eliminates various commissions whose work has been completed such as the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial and Ronald Reagan Centennial commissions.

It also lists commissions considered by his office as redundant or dormant.  This category includes a task force that studied racial profiling and the Chronic Disease Nutrition and Outcomes Advisory Commission.

The order consolidates three river coordinating councils as well.

Quinn says this executive order is another step toward increasing government efficiency in Illinois. He first announced the move Wednesday during his budget address before legislators.

Following the elimination, 317 boards and commissions remain under Quinn's authority.