Mussman Advocates for Spending Cuts for Government Employees

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is urging her colleagues in Springfield to tighten the state’s fiscal belt by co-sponsoring House Bill 643. The bill reduces the cost of living adjustments for government employees who are typically reimbursed for mileage, lodging, and meal purchases when conducting official state of Illinois business.

“Politicians should be the first to make the financial sacrifice,” said Mussman. “The math is rather simple. When money is tight at home, you spend less. As a mother of three, I know all too well how small savings can add up to big ones.”

Under House Bill 643, members of the General Assembly, agency directors, and state’s attorneys would see their ‘per diem’ rates decrease or stay the same for the next fiscal year. Mussman said that the legislation frees up more taxpayer dollars to allocate elsewhere for more important services rendered by the state.

“I’m far more interested in solving this financial crisis than playing the governor’s political games,” said Mussman. “The state’s backlog of unpaid bills has doubled under Governor Rauner, and his lack of leadership is taking a toll on our most vulnerable citizens. While the entire state remains at the mercy of the governor’s refusal to accept and administer a budget, the General Assembly must do everything in its power to cut government waste, and this bill does just that.”

Mussman serves the 56th District, which includes portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine.