Connor Backs Legislation to Block Lawmakers’ Pay Without Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is sponsoring legislation that would stop lawmakers from being paid if no state budget is in place.

“Too many families suffered as a result of the budget impasse that finally ended last year, and fellow lawmakers and I need to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” Connor said. “As a legislator, my job is to make sure the state is paying its bills and that we have a balanced budget that allows us to do so. If the state doesn’t have a budget, legislators shouldn’t get paid.”

Currently, lawmakers in Illinois are able to be paid regardless if a budget is in place because of a continuing appropriation. Continuing appropriations are typically required by courts to be paid out even in the event of a budget impasse or lack of General Assembly appropriation. During the budget impasse, continuing appropriations helped fund state employee salaries, prison operations, law enforcement and other critical state services. The Connor-backed House Bill 5773 would remove lawmakers from receiving these limited resources during a budget stalemate.

“It is no secret that our state faces financial challenges, and it is our job as legislators to work responsibly to correct these problems,” Connor said. “If lawmakers can’t do their job and pass a budget, they shouldn’t get paid.”

For more information on House Bill 5773, please contact Connor’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.