Illinois is taking small steps toward consolidating some of its duplicitous local governments, but bold reforms are needed to start addressing the state’s nearly 7,000 taxing bodies, the most in the nation.

Senate Bill 3 marks an important step in the right direction for local government consolidation, but there’s more to be done.

House Joint Resolution 69 would create a special task force to investigate and report on state and local property tax assessment, appeals processes and other property tax policies.

The case against Mount Prospect, Ill., shows how tax increment financing districts siphon tax money from school districts and other taxing bodies, and diverts needed resources and puts pressure on taxpayers to make up the difference.

Illinoisans can take a look at their paystubs and notice the state decided to hike their income tax bill by 32 percent.

Illinois homeowners’ property taxes are among the highest in the nation. They are consuming more and more of Illinoisans’ incomes.