Stuart Introduces Bill to Freeze Legislative Perks, Block Automatic Pay Increases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to hold legislators more accountable for their spending to taxpayers, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, introduced new legislation that would freeze cost of living adjustments and mileage and lodging reimbursement rates for legislators.

“Springfield politicians need a reminder that they represent the people of Illinois who pay for their perks,” Stuart said. “I am proud to fight for freezes to legislators perks to hold politicians accountable to taxpayers, and save taxpayers money. That is why I am refusing to accept my legislative salary until a budget is in place and am rejecting a taxpayer-funded legislative pension.”

Stuart’s new accountability measure, House Bill 643, saves taxpayer money by blocking automatic pay increases and freezing reimbursement rates for legislators, executive elected officials and state agency directors.

“When I walk door to door, I see firsthand the impact the state’s lack of a budget has had on our community,” Stuart said. “It is my top priority to pass a budget that protects and helps our families. I am using this legislation to let legislators know that enough is enough, it is time to get to work for the people of Illinois.”