Stuart Legislation to Block Pay Raise for Lawmakers Signed into Law

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, to block an automatic pay increase for lawmakers was signed into law today.

“Politicians shouldn’t take a pay raise when the state is in such dire fiscal shape,” said Stuart. “When I took office seven months ago, the state was in its second year without a budget and I pledged to not accept my pay until a budget was in place. Rejecting any pay raise is the right thing for lawmakers to do.”

Stuart’s House Bill 643 prevents an automatic pay increase from going into effect and freezes legislative travel and lodging reimbursement rates at 2011 levels. Stuart also introduced legislation to eliminate travel reimbursements and cut politician pay. She has rejected a lucrative taxpayer-funded legislative pension.

“As I go door-to-door, I hear from families struggling with increasing taxes and salaries that fail to keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living,” Stuart added. “Too many people in my community are struggling despite going to work every day and having done everything right. Of all people, politicians shouldn’t be getting a raise.”