Halpin Fighting to Block Lawmaker Pay Raise, Freeze Perks

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – As residents in the Quad Cities continue to cope with the consequences of the state budget impasse, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is sponsoring legislation that will block lawmakers from receiving a pay raise and other generous perks.

“With our human services infrastructure crumbling and essential services like Meals on Wheels losing funding, it would be simply irresponsible for politicians to get a pay raise at the expense of taxpayers,” Halpin said. “Too many lawmakers have used their job for personal gain while families across our state struggled to make ends meet. This cannot happen anymore.”

In one of his first acts as a new legislator, Halpin is sponsoring House Bill 643, which prohibits legislators from receiving an automatic annual pay raise that is scheduled to take effect in July. Additionally, the proposed measure freezes mileage reimbursement rates, and legislators’ daily allowance for food and lodging during session days in Springfield.

“We need to be concerned about passing a balanced and responsible budget that fully funds our education system, protects essential services and grows our economy,” Halpin said. “We will need to make cuts to our budget, and I believe the best place to start is with politicians who have failed to do the job they were elected to do.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.