SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois voters would be asked to eliminate the lieutenant governor’s office under a measure given initial approval in the state Senate.

The question would be on the November ballot if three-fifths of each chamber supports the idea.

A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced the proposal to the full chamber and an identical measure is pending in the House. If voters approve, the office would be eliminated in 2019.

Some lawmakers want to amend the proposals to make sure the person next in line for the governorship is from the same party as the governor in office. The proposals currently call for the attorney general to be the successor to the governorship.

Legislators say eliminating an office that has few responsibilities would save the state about $1.6 million annually.

 

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