The recession has hit everyone hard – families, businesses, state and local governments have cut back and made difficult choices. But in Indiana’s township offices, it’s business as usual.
Indiana’s 1,006 townships spend more than $400 million a year. Their major responsibility is providing emergency assistance to the poor – important during today’s tough times. But more than half the state’s townships provide relief to 20 households or less during the course of the year, and spend far more in overhead and administrative costs than what actually reaches a disadvantaged family.
Inefficiency and waste are widespread, and lack of accountability breeds abuse: Township trustees giving themselves huge raises, putting family members on their payrolls, embezzling from poor relief funds and more.
Townships across the state are also currently hoarding more than $215 million in unused surplus funds – overtaxing homeowners and businesses when we can afford it the least.
It’s time for accountability and transparency in township government. Contact your legislator through the form below to demand increased oversight of township finances and tougher ethics rules for township offices. It’s a first step toward more efficient, effective local government.
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.
