SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement Monday, supporting Comptroller Leslie Munger’s announcement that legislators’ salaries would be delayed due to the budget impasse:
“I think the comptroller is absolutely right to prioritize the state’s more urgent bills over the paychecks of legislators and other elected officials. Thousands of Illinois families are going without the support they need, businesses that have already provided services to the state haven’t gotten paid and school districts continue to see checks arriving late, and no officeholders should get special treatment when so many are still hurting.
“In such difficult times, elected officials need to lead by example and find a way to work together. Throughout the budget impasse and the extended summer session, I’ve refused my travel and per-diem reimbursements; no one should be accepting extra money because the state is in a crisis. I’m happy the comptroller is doing what’s best for the thousands still hurting as a result of this impasse. I hope that this move from the comptroller serves as a wake-up call for Springfield, and forces state leaders to join me in good faith to negotiate a budget.”
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