For the fourth year in a row, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth backed legislation to reduce lawmakers’ pay in a measure which became law on Friday and will save the state nearly $1 million.
“So many Illinois families are struggling with unemployment, foreclosure, higher bills and helping loved ones, and I feel that lawmakers must be willing to make sacrifices,” Gordon-Booth said. “I have consistently supported measures to cut officials’ pay over the past four years, every year that I have been in office, because it is the right thing to do and a step in the right direction in savings for the state.”
On Friday, Governor Quinn signed Public Act 97-718, which Gordon-Booth co-sponsored,, requiring lawmakers to take 12 unpaid furlough days. This measure keeps rates at a reduced level for legislators. For example, the mileage rate is kept at a level 29% lower than the federal government’s rate. Additionally, it prohibits cost of living increases for state elected officials, including legislators, state’s attorneys, and constitutional officers. This law is estimated to save the state $950,000 during the next Fiscal Year 2013.
“Families across my district and the state who have been affected by job loss or reduced work hours are demanding that legislators spend state money wisely and responsibly,” Gordon-Booth said. “Reducing our salary is one step, but more also needs to be done. For the second straight year, we passed a budget based on bipartisan ideas that rein in state spending. We must continue making tough decisions in order to be a part of the solution and helping get Illinois back on the right track.”
For more information about this or other legislation, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992 or repjgordon@gmail.com.
