Legislators, constitutional officers, and agency directors would be prohibited from their cost of living adjustment (COLA) pay raise beginning July 1 under legislation (Senate Bill 1052) sponsored by State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru).
“This is the least we can do as legislators during the state’s budget crisis,” Rezin said. “If we are all serious about solving our budget crisis and prioritizing the state’s precious dollars for those who need funding the most, this legislation should be an easy vote, and it should move out of the General Assembly very quickly.”
Elected officials are scheduled to receive a 1.7% COLA in 2017, at a cost of $209,000. The General Assembly has voted to eliminate COLA’s for legislators in each of the past seven years.
“It’s time we make it clear COLAs are rejected in Fiscal year 2017,” Rezin said.
Rezin’s Senate Bill 1052 would also freeze per diem and mileage reimbursement rates for an additional year for members of the General Assembly.
“This is a common sense proposal that the people of Illinois are demanding,” Rezin said. “Let’s show our constituents we are serious and move swiftly to reject cost of living increases.”