Mussman’s Bill to Reject Lawmaker Pay Increase Becomes Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –A measure co-sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, that freezes lawmaker reimbursement rates and blocks a scheduled pay raise, has been signed into law..

“After more than 700 days without a state budget, which crippled non-profits and low-income families across the state, it would be irresponsible for legislators to receive a pay increase at the expense of taxpayers,” Mussman said. “We must continue working to advance fiscally responsible ideas that rein in wasteful spending so that we can focus on repairing the damage that occurred under Governor Rauner’s budget crisis.”

Mussman co-sponsored House Bill 643, which prohibits legislators from receiving an automatic annual pay raise that was scheduled to take effect last month. Additionally, the new law freezes mileage reimbursement rates, and legislators’ daily allowance for food and lodging during session days in Springfield. In solidarity with taxpayers in her district, Mussman went even further by refusing per diem and travel reimbursements paid to legislators for special session, as called by the governor.

“We all know the state is in dire straits financially, which makes it even worse that Governor Rauner chose to spend tens of thousands of dollars on unnecessary, Special Session days,” Mussman said. “I think if the Governor knew what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet, he wouldn’t waste our valuable tax dollars on symbolic gestures for political purposes.”