A proposal in the Illinois House would stop local government leaders from using public resources to fight efforts to consolidate any government unit.

Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the bill before leaving office, but bipartisan support in the General Assembly may send it back to the governor’s desk.

The bill would make it easier for McHenry County residents to dissolve the county’s 17 townships at the ballot box – and find relief through tax savings.

Instead of pushing for further tax hikes on tapped-out taxpayers, lawmakers should rally behind a bipartisan effort to limit state spending.

Mandating more reasonable spending growth is the first step in a journey back to solvency for Illinois. The cap provides certainty today for a more responsible state government tomorrow.