Berrios Votes To Take Pay Cut

April 17th, 2013   

CHICAGO, IL – State Rep. Maria A. “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) voted in favor of legislation that cuts the salary of state legislators and various other state officials by 10 percent.

“I recently hosted a Community Job Fair in my District because I know all too well how difficult these times are for many families,” Berrios said. “It’s critical that as elected officials we lead by example and look to cut our own paychecks first.”

House Bill 1441 cuts legislator’s salary by requiring the use of one furlough day a month, rejecting cost of living adjustments, and freezing reimbursement rates. This legislation will also change the allowance legislator’s receive for lodging and meals. Rejection of the cost of living adjustments will also be levied upon State attorney’s, elected executive branch constitutional officers, and several appointed offices of State government.

Earlier this year, Berrios’ voted in favor of House Bill 1165, reforming the automatic pension increases for current state employees and retirees. This measure is intended to rein in the out-of-control automatic pension annuity increases that all retirees were receiving each year.

“I will continue to work on reducing our debt and growing our economy,” Berrios said. “With an improved economy we can work towards growing our workforce, improving our schools, and making affordable housing readily available.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 736-3939 or email at repberrios39@gmail.com.

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