Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed an executive order making the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum a separate state agency. The order means that the Springfield museum will no longer fall under the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The agency's remaining functions will be assigned to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The governor says the oversight change is part of his effort to transform government. He wants to deliver the best services to taxpayers at the best value.
Alan Lowe is executive director of the library and museum. He says the change will make a wonderful institution even better.
Rauner also signed an executive order consolidating the Human Rights Commission with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. He says it will mean quicker resolution to anti-discrimination cases.
