Berrios Supported Measure to Cut Legislators’ Pay Signed into Law
July 31st, 2013
CHICAGO, IL. – On Monday Governor Pat Quinn signed into law legislation supported by State Rep. Maria A. “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) that cuts state legislators’ pay by requiring them to take furlough days and freezing their cost-of-living adjustments.
“It is important that state legislators lead by example by cutting their own pay and rejecting any schedule salary increases to help our state get back on the right track and preserve critical services,” Berrios said. “This spring we cut wasteful government spending and this measure is one way to help save taxpayer dollars.”
House Bill 1441 freezes salaries and reimbursements to members of the General Assembly and requires them to take 12 furlough days in the next fiscal year. This legislation also eliminates the cost-of-living adjustment salary increases for legislators, State’s attorneys, statewide elected officials and certain appointed officers that are members of State departments, agencies, boards and commissions.
For the fifth consecutive year Berrios has supported legislation that requires state lawmakers to work for less pay and reject cost of living wage adjustments. Berrios also supported a state budget that pays down more than $1 billion in old bills while eliminating wasteful spending so the state can focus on priorities like education and services for seniors.
“Our state continues to face tough economic times and legislators should cut their own paychecks before asking hard-working families to do the same,” Berrios said. “Legislators need to lead by example and that is why I have voted to cut my pay for five consecutive years.”
For more information on this bill or any other legislation, please contact Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 736-3939 or by email at repberrios39@gmail.com.
# # #
|