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COMPTROLLER'S CORNER
By Loleta A. Didrickson, Comptroller, State of Illinois
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The decision to accept the challenge and run for
State Comptroller was made after extensive and exhaustive research into how this office works. A synopsis
of that research revealed that there must be better and
more efficient ways to carry out the duties of the State
Comptroller.
My experiences have taught me that there are no
easy fixes. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
The first step is that government has to think differently. We must work smarter. We need to change the
way we do business so we can take advantage of technology and upgrade our antiquated systems of operation.
By increasing the number of employees using direct
deposit, the State government can save on the rising
cost of postage and paper. Direct deposit is a method of
paying salary by which State employees can decide to
have their paycheck automatically deposited into either
their checking or savings account thus also streamlining
operation by reducing the flow of paper.
I am making direct deposit a requirement of all my
new employees and am asking other State agencies to
do the same. It is a convenience for employees because
they don't have to physically cash the paycheck. The
pay is deposited even if the employee is sick or on
vacation. Finally, it eliminates the possibility of loss,
theft or forgery.
I am also proud to announce that beginning in June,
we will start a commercial deposit program. The two
agencies involved in this pilot program will be the State
Board of Education and the Department of Commerce
and Community Affairs. Over the course of the next
four years, I hope to extend this program to include all
state agencies.
During the coming months, the Illinois Office of
Comptroller will examine other cost-efficient measures
to ensure taxpayers that their dollars are spent
wisely. •
Page 24 / Illinois Municipal Review / July 1995
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