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* NBC 5 reports on how the state has restarted and improved its idea suggestion program…

Created in 1985 by the General Assembly, the Suggestion Board offers cash awards for the best money-saving ideas. The board originally only accepted suggestions from state employees, but later began accepting ideas from any Illinois citizen. […]

But the last time the board actually accepted a suggestion was ten years ago—a single employee’s idea about weather stripping a single door at a single building. Since 2008, the Board has considered a total of 667 ideas, but has accepted none of them. Starting in 2013, the Suggestion Board didn’t even meet for lack of a quorum. The same was true in 2014, and 2015. No one could get their act together to elect a chairman, establish a schedule, or even figure out a place to meet.

“Well, we certainly saw it as an underutilized program,” says Mike Hoffman, the acting director of Central Management Services who inherited the entire dysfunctional mess from the two prior administrations. “It’s one we were interested in re-invigorating.”

And it appears they have done just that. The Suggestion Board now has a quorum, and has 175 new ideas which have been submitted over the last six months. Although the online submission form specifies “employee suggestions,” CMS assures us that the board will accept – and possibly award – ideas from all Illinois citizens. […]

Hoffman says one idea which is on the verge of being implemented, is expected to save the state $100,000 annually by reforming the way various departments use certified mail.

I like what I’ve seen from Hoffman so far. More like this, please.

But, you just had to know we’d have a tiny bit of fun with this. So…

* The Question: Your suggestions for improving the operations of state government? Snark is fine, or not. You decide.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:29 pm

Comments

Term limits

Comment by so... Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:30 pm
Determine in house capacity for a project before it’s farmed out to a pricy consulting firm. Millions could be saved and jobs preserved if we just shopped from home. There are some incredible people who work for the state.
Utilize them first. The Raunerites line up fat contracts for consulting firms FIRST, then blink their eyes when someone inside state government says that they could have done it.

I know. I’m naïve about how grift works.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:37 pm
The Governor’s and Legislators’ pay in any fiscal year is proportionately reduced by the percentage that the immediately prior fiscal year’s revenues fell short of the sum of actual expenditures plus unpaid obligations (outstanding bills, pension contributions, etc.)

Comment by titan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:38 pm
Eliminate about half of the small municipalities that serve as platforms for political hires/appointees to collect paychecks and pensions and titles while doing nothing.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:43 pm
–Since 2008, the Board has considered a total of 667 ideas, but has accepted none of them. Starting in 2013, the Suggestion Board didn’t even meet for lack of a quorum. The same was true in 2014, and 2015.–

I’d suggest getting rid of everyone on that board and starting fresh.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:45 pm
Move the State Records Commission into the digital era and eliminate paper forms.

Comment by thechampaignlife Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:48 pm
Reform the procurement code. The so-called reforms to the act in 2009 went way overboard. It has been interpreted by agencies to require firms who do business with Illinois to increase their costs because overhead costs associated with compliance have gone up. In addition, if you are a private firm that wants to make a suggestion to the state on how to save money, that firm can’t benefit from implementing the idea. So the act actually discourages innovative ideas.

Comment by phocion Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Start replacing all new light bulbs as the old burn out with more economical LED bulbs. LED bulbs have a longer life span, use less energy, and give off less heat lowering cooling costs. The LED bulbs pay for themselves.

On a small scale I have lowered my electric bill at home $20 a month with an investment of around $75 in light bulbs. The bulbs will last at least 10 years paid for themselves in 4 months.

Comment by LED Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:53 pm
list the gov mansion on air bnb

Comment by d.p.gumby Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 12:56 pm
Cut the cash award/reward in half. Wala, instant savings!

Comment by Columbo Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Um, stop sending license sticker renewal notices. I know, not a new idea but people will eventually figure it out. Also, can I get a 3 or 4 year sticker? My drivers license is good for 4 years but my sticker is good for only 1.

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:04 pm
“Your suggestions for improving the operations of state government?”

A three-year moratorium on Illinois government.

– MrJM

Comment by MisterJayEm Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Friday afternoon Dunk Tank manned by the gov and leaders for $5 per throw; open to the public. Every week until a balanced budget is passed; starting with November lame-duck.

Comment by Markus Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Require political aspirants to serve jail time before being elected, instead of after.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:10 pm
Create a blue ribbon panel to study unfunded mandates and recommend reforms, have the Lt. Governor head it up. Then come back to the General Assembly with a list of proposals and get them passed.

Haha, just kidding. Burn down the Stratton building for the insurance money, even if it’s not insured this is still a good idea.

Comment by The Captain Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Cut the cost of license plates in half by only requiring rear plates. Many states do not have front plates, Corvette owners that don’t put them on, never get tickets, so why have them at all?

Comment by Big Joe Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:12 pm
Each new governor at inauguration gets monogrammed IDOT orange jumpsuit.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:12 pm
I know I’ll take a beating again for this, but I have always been a proponent of “work from home” or telecommuting where it makes sense. Hours can be more flexible and there are ways to track productivity. Office space and the required overhead can be reduced.

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Outlaw spellchecker

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Replace Rauner …

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Are the suggestions of late available under the public records or meeting minutes from these sessions? I would love to see what they considered or didn’t.

Comment by bothanspy Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Require state comptroller to pass 5th grade math.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:15 pm
I’d like to know what was rejected, with no award given, and then later came out as an idea someone internal “thought” of.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Require that fresh mud be added to Capitol mud wrestling arena.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Other than budget bills, limit each member of the General Assembly to only being able to introduce one bill or resolution per year of service.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Bring back spitoons.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:19 pm
Fire the committee and replace them with qualified members.

Comment by Shanks Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:20 pm
Fire all the “grass bowls.” Immediately.

Comment by Dome Gnome Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:22 pm
Agree with “Casual Observer”, at least allow for an OPTION of purchasing a 2 year sticker, 2nd year at a cut rate, like Florida does…no front plates either.

Comment by Just Sayin Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Close Saputos, make Michael Madigan dine at Golden Corral.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:23 pm
I was in charge of the suggestion box at City of Chicago for a brief period. Problem was that the ideas were at the first or second draft stage. It would have taken a staff of 4 or 5 to get them complete enough to be properly evaluated.

For example and to the post, I think that the State should have some super caseworkers who can work across departments to help at risk families with high potential for independence who are involved with multiple agencies. Unfortunately, I have some idea of how much work it would take to actually implement that on a pilot basis.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Remodel dome on capitol, so that it revolves.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:26 pm
Borrow the money we need to get our bills current - has to be cheaper than the interest we are legally obligated to pay due to late payment. Do what’s needed to lower the interest rate on late paid bills to a lower rate,

Repeal the law that says we have to put operations in historical areas of towns if possible- put the operations where they are needed.

Stop sending nonviolent offenders to prison when something less will suffice. Work release sounds more appropriate.

Legalize and tax pot.

Centralize government to one home office in Soringfield whete feasible.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:26 pm
Height requirement for all elected officials.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:27 pm
Dome Gnome, who’d be left?

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:28 pm
If Dan Biss wants to streamline Township gov, eliminate Township road districts and the Township Highway Commissioner. Transfer the plowing and maintenance of roads to the County Highway Dept. Leave the Township Board if you want, they don’t throw away too much money.

When I inquired to my elderly neighbor about his mailbox being wiped out by the snow plow, he explained to me how he complained to the Hwy. Commissioner about it. Now four of his mailboxes have been wiped out in retaliation.

My lawyer told me that the Road District used to be a board back in the old days. Turns out he was right, I found an old document re. the road bordering our family property from the 1800s. The “road district” was a three man board!

Now it’s one guy, and “he is the road district.” This man actually made the statement to me, “the President of the United States can’t tell me what to do.”!! Too much potential for waste and abuse concentrated in one person with not enough oversight.

Comment by Payback Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:28 pm
Term limits for political pundits.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:30 pm
Require politicians to wear NASCAR style jumpsuits covered with donor names.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:33 pm
Merge the Human Rights Department and Commission. Do any other states have two independent agencies (who don’t talk to each other) for this responsibility?

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:36 pm
A Virginia-style Governor term limit that states a Governor cannot be succeeded by him or herself. No Snark.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Have Rich Miller deliver “Pep Talks” to each agency!!!

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:38 pm
Require campaigners to pass a “Chopped” - style cooking competition where their ingredients baskets are empty.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Casual observer at 1:36 was not me.

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Bring back smoke-filled back rooms.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:40 pm
Tourists would love a laser light show at Roland Burris’ head stone.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:42 pm
A couple:

1. Continue on with the technology investments, the State is waayyy behind in technology.

2. Start passing 2 year budgets and begin zero based budgeting. It will allow for better planning and will naturally help prioritize spending. We have a bad mindset in this State that we have to fund things we always have without asking why.

3. Consolidate agencies, we have way too many directors and and the support systems that come with them.

4. Do not allow management positions to be Union positions, way too many managers take advantage of this, including over-time way. Or at least make them two separate unions with more firewalls between them (including not allowing managers to earn overtime).

5. Move managers not related to field staff back to Springfield and in the same department as their workforce.

6. Pass common sense workers comp reform. Would save the state multiple missions of dollars and would ultimately increase revenue through job growth.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:43 pm
That’s what Roland told.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:43 pm
Illinois Iditarod
Competitors trek from Cairo to South Beloit in dog sleds during July Fourth weekend.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:47 pm
Is the Suggestion board and the Executive Inspector Generals office one and the same? It seems the numbers of reports and the numbers of actions taken are eerily similar.

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:50 pm
I’m still stuck on: K-12 can open in the fall only if a balanced budget (determined by an independent evaluator) has passed. Then we can fight about real things–revenues and who pays them, state programs and what we can afford to spend on them.

Comment by Earnest Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:50 pm
Replace Capitol gubernatorial portraits with robots resembling each governor. Except for Edgar, he could probably pull that off himself.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:53 pm
Every lieutenant governor gets to use the Taco Gringo Employee of the Month parking spot so they can quickly return lunch orders for staffers.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:57 pm
==Rich Miller - Dome Gnome, who’d be left? lol==

It’d just be me and you, baby!

Comment by Dome Gnome Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 1:57 pm
Madigan and Rauner simultaneously resign.

Comment by Double Nickel Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:00 pm
Tie terms in office with Cubs World Series wins. That would actually limit some legislato’s time in office.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:01 pm
Raise enough revenue to pay for both current state operations AND pay off the backlog of unpaid bills. Anything else is piddle.

Comment by formerpro Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:02 pm
Hospital/healthcare Enterprise Zones

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Eliminate the State Employee Suggestion Award Board.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Have Speaker of the House and President of the Senate elected by citizens.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:06 pm
===It’d just be me and you===

It’d be just you.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:07 pm
Install pay toilets for all state employees and teachers. $1 for #1, $2 for #2, with all funds going to pensions.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:08 pm
Replace asbestos in Stratton building with bacon. That suggestion comes from the Stratton building tenants, rats and cockroaches.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:10 pm
All these telecommunications devices and services are surely adding to the costs, lets go back to two tin cans and some string connecting them. We can use pigeon couriers for all other state communications, plenty of pigeons in Springfield just looking to be utilized…

Comment by frisbee Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Four (4) year universities: Eliminate any “Data Stewardship and IT Services” (or equivalent). In theory, it’s a good idea. In practice, it’s where IT departments send ‘NIH’ ideas/proposals to die a terrible, painful, slow death.

‘NIH’ = Not Invented Here (within IT).

As an example, here’s a good one (at IT killing smart ideas):

http://itgovernance.illinoisstate.edu/data-stewardship-council/master-data-access-plan.php

Comment by Judgment Day Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:20 pm
Build Obama Presidential Library in his home country.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:22 pm
Eliminate the office of Lite Governor, change the constitution to provide for an order of succession.

Comment by siriusly Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Sell off part of the City’s Lake Michigan land and build a giant Star Wars museum to attract more tourist dollars.

Comment by siriusly Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:34 pm
We didn’t know how good we had it, so do a brain transplant between Blago and Rauner. “Transplant” is, of course, not accurate, because only one brain would change places. But the half price procedure should appeal to Rauner, even if the results do not. Imagine the public’s satisfaction in knowing that Rauner will wake up in Blago’s body - in prison - with no ability to think his way out, and Blago will actually have both the power and the brains to drive Madigan mad again (if he can ever get over the horror of losing his Elvis do and in”hair”iting the scruffy Rauner thatch). What a turnaround. But wait - does Carhartt make a jogging suit?

And, 47th Ward at 2:08, do you really want to balance the budget on the backsides of state employees? Imagine the outcry.

Comment by aufjunk Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:35 pm
Stop paying legislative session mileage reimbursements for any Chicago area legislators, Directors and staff who have “reasonable” access to Amtrak - and put them on the train at a reduced state rate which Amtrak will agree to.

It’s a little thing, but it will result in big savings during Session.

Perhaps the time together on the Amtrak will encourage some more bi-partisan collaboration and an improved focus on the value of rail transportation!!

Comment by siriusly Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Park Ridge needs the proposed Hillary Clinton Pants Suit, BleachBit and Smashed Cell Phone Museum.

Turn Trump Tower Chicago into Windy City headquarters for Hair Club For Men.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:02 pm
I suggest it’s five o’clock somewhere. We gone.

Comment by pool boy Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:07 pm
To defray the costs of Capitol renovations and upkeep, it’s time that the GA open a bar under the rotunda called “Fourth Call”.

“I’d like to discuss the floor amendment with some of my colleagues. I recommend we move this to Fourth Call”

Alternative names:
An Act Concerning Liquor
Cafe 235
Under the Dome

Comment by MissingG Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:15 pm
1. Legislators receive the same pay increases and benefits as union members. No exceptions
2. Offer a buy out to allow people to purchase 1-5 years and leave if they are eligible or store (for the inflow of cash). For the privilege, employees have to agree to 2% compounded increases rather than three. The vast majority of employees will retire putting a near end to teir 1.

Comment by KadieDog Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:26 pm
== Perhaps the time together on the Amtrak will encourage some more bi-partisan collaboration and an improved focus on the value of rail transportation!! ==

Only if the club car doesn’t run dry. I’ve been on Chicago to Springfield runs where they ran out due to delays …

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:29 pm
When I first found out about this board I got excited and drafted about 20 different ideas across a broad range of things. Then I called to find out how to submit and found out they didn’t have a quorum and just didn’t boter.

Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:34 pm
On a serious note, I submitted a number of ideas between 2985 and 2002. Nothing came of any of them … or if they did use them, I never saw anything.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 3:49 pm
Eliminate the state’s involvement in providing education, infrastructure, public safety, and social services. Think of the savings!

Comment by idk Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 4:03 pm
Offer every member of the IPI a one-way ticket to Pluto.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 4:09 pm
Several years ago I submitted a suggestion and received a nice form letter telling me it was not worth implementing. Then a short time after that we are informed that the exact same idea is now required policy. Perhaps I’m just too cynical, but I find it hard to believe that more than a few token awards will be made to those offering suggestions.
On a lighter note, perhaps any campaign experience on a resume should be an automatic disqualifier for any appointed position.

Comment by Nobody Sent Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 4:10 pm
Eliminate the Senate - Nebraska can do it, so can we.

Switch from cash basis accountin’ to accrual accountin’so we can see how really bad things are.

Make the comments public so everyone can see all the comments you didn’t pay attention to.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 23, 16 @ 4:35 pm