New Law Requires Unpaid Furlough Days, Prohibits Cost of Living Adjustments

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that limits compensation for many of Illinois' elected officials. This action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to rein in the cost of government in Illinois, ensure accountability and return Illinois to sound financial footing.

"I will continue to take every step necessary to restore fiscal stability to our state," Governor Quinn said. "The civic duty of an elected official requires a commitment to the greater good of the people of Illinois. I commend the legislators who voted for this bill and I encourage them to work just as hard to get the job done on public pension reform, the most important fiscal challenge of our time."

House Bill 1441, sponsored by State Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and Senate President John J. Cullerton (D-Chicago), requires every member of the Illinois General Assembly to take one unpaid furlough day per month during Fiscal Year 2014, which starts July 1. It also prohibits any cost of living increases in FY 2014 for General Assembly members, state constitutional officers, state's attorneys, and certain appointed state offices and board and commission members. In addition, the legislation sets lodging, meal and mileage reimbursement rates for all General Assembly session days at the same rate that has been in effect for the last three years.

The new law takes effect July 1.

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

The IRS is in hot water again.

I learned recently that the IRS has failed to take steps to stop bonuses to union members in spite of a clear directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget.  The directive instructs the IRS to stop all discretionary bonuses during the ongoing federal budget sequestration.

In fact, the IRS routinely claims to be short on resources.  Even so - and now with sequestration, as well - the IRS appears to have $70 million to spend on bonus payments to IRS employee union members.

The agency even seems to be making an extra effort to give the bonuses, despite opportunities to renegotiate with the union and an instruction to cease discretionary bonuses during sequestration.

There's no question that the IRS needs to answer to the taxpayers.  I sent a letter on Tuesday asking the Acting IRS Commissioner to explain why the agency seems to be on track to award some $70 million in discretionary bonuses to union members.

We've learned about the IRS arguably spitting on the rights of law-abiding citizens by targeting certain groups seeking tax-exempt status solely for their perceived political affiliation.  Now, the IRS may be thumbing its nose at taxpayers by giving tens of millions of dollars in bonuses when every part of the federal government needs to be tightening its belt.

This adds insult to injury in light of the revelation several weeks ago that the IRS has paid out more than $92 million in bonuses during the Obama administration.  Lois Lerner is the director of the IRS division that targeted political groups for scrutiny.  She pled the Fifth to avoid answering questions from Congress and is currently on paid administrative leave.  But, since 2009, she received more than $42,000 in bonuses.  Joseph Grant, the former head of the agency's tax exemption division, received $84,000.  Former Acting Commissioner Steven Miller received approximately $100,000 in bonuses since 2009.

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit two different projects on Chicago's south side on Saturday that are promoting sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles. Simon will visit the 61st Street Farmers Market and Blackstone Bicycle Works program at the Experimental Station and participate in Come Unity Day at the Bronzeville Community Garden by painting her handprint on the garden's wall. Simon chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council which has been working to expand access to fresh, locally-grown food to all Illinoisans.

Saturday, June 22

EVENT: Blackstone Bicycle Works and 61st Street Farmers Market visit

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone, Chicago

EVENT: Bronzeville Community Garden visit

TIME: 11:45 a.m.

LOCATION: Urban Juncture, 51st St. and Calumet Ave., Chicago

PORT BYRON, Ill. - Disappointed in the lack of resolution to state issues before the General Assembly during this spring's legislative session and this week's special session, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, DHillsdale, is inviting all area residents to a town hall meeting on Wednesday, June 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blackhawk College in Moline for updates on important ongoing issues and to hear local views on the impact to families, businesses and economic opportunities in the 71

"I wanted to serve as the voice for hardworking families because I knew state government was dysfunctional, and we have to work together to change that and get the important decisions made," said Smiddy. "When taxpayers were asked for more money to cover the cost of a special legislative session, I rejected the daily allowance and mileage payments because we have to start making good financial decisions."

Smiddy chose to forfeit the per diem and mileage payments for Wednesday's special sessions. "Now that I've returned to our district, my first priority is to hear directly from area residents about their views on these proposals and their experience of state decisions on local life," said Smiddy. "A state representative's job is to constantly be carrying the voice of families to the state capitol, and I am committed to listening and putting their views first."

Smiddy's town hall meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blackhawk College's Sustainable Technologies Building (Room 110) at 6600 34Avenue in Moline. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at  RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.