31
Jul
2015
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his view that pay for lawmakers should be frozen when so many families are hurting in Illinois, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted Tuesday to reject a pay increase for lawmakers for the second time this session.
"As Illinois remains without a budget this summer, I believe it would be inappropriate for lawmakers to receive increases in pay, which is why I voted twice this session to keep pay flat," Smiddy said. "I supported a spending plan that froze lawmaker's salaries during the spring, and when the governor vetoed that, I voted this week to again stop legislator's pay from increasing."
Smiddy voted in favor of House Bill 576, which blocks a cost of living increase for members of the General Assembly and state constitutional officers. Smiddy supported a spending plan that froze legislator's salaries in May. When the governor rejected that plan, Smiddy supported Tuesday's bill suspending the scheduled increase for lawmakers.
"While suspending COLAs for legislators will not solve all of Illinois' fiscal issues, I think it's important for lawmakers to take steps to be extra careful with state dollars," Smiddy said. "I'm committed to giving my constituents a voice in Springfield that reflects their priorities, and that includes eliminating special treatment for legislators."
House Bill 576 passed the house unanimously. Smiddy will donate any increases that are paid before this legislation is signed into law. For questions about this issue or any state issue, please contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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