Indiana’s local government system is too large, complicated and inefficient in today’s world. A simpler, more effective and accountable system of local government is needed.

The prime example lies with township government.  Two-thirds of Hoosiers don’t know who their township trustee is and an even larger group has never used any type of township service.  In fact, the distribution of poor relief – labeled a prime township duty – only took place in 2% of the townships, according to a recent report.

Yet township government has collected and is sitting on 215 million in your taxpayer dollars!  In today’s economy, that’s irresponsible. These cash reserves can be put to far better use for other local needs OR returned to taxpayers!

 The basic township functions of poor relief and fire protection can be done most efficiently at the county level.  Tell your state legislators today, “No more excuses for avoiding township reform!” and urge their support of the amended version of HB 1181.

To put it mildly, township government is broken and needs to be overhauled. In edition to the rampant inefficiency and hoarding of millions of dollars, nepotism, sloppiness and fraud are all too common. The Indiana State Board of Accounts uncovered dozens of examples of township officials helping themselves to taxpayer money, often to get themselves out of a tight financial squeeze. They can behave like taxpayer money is their own because no one is watching closely at the time.

Enough is enough!

Action Needed:  Lawmakers need to be held accountable. Tell your state legislators today, “No more excuses for avoiding township reform!”  Remind them that their actions on local government reform are indeed being closely watched.