Stuart Refuses Legislative Pay Increase, Donates to Local Organizations

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – As a part of her continued commitment to promote good government and save taxpayer dollars, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D- Edwardsville, refused to accept the legislative pay increase included in the state budget.  Instead, Stuart chose to put the pay increase back into the community by donating to various local organizations.

“When I first ran for office, I promised my constituents that I wouldn’t take a paycheck until we passed a balanced budget,” said Stuart. “This year, although we did pass a balanced and bipartisan budget, I could not take a pay raise while people in my community struggle with high property taxes and an increase on their gas tax. Legislators must lead by example as we continue to make difficult decisions to get the state back on track.”

The Fiscal Year 2020 budget that was recently signed into law includes a cost of living adjustment for legislations. Rather than accept this pay raise, Stuart decided to use her this money to help her district. Stuart donated her pay increase to Coordinated Youth and Human Services in Granite City, Support Our Girls in Edwardsville, and to the SIUe Foundation.  Stuart also sponsored House Bill 837, which aimed to prohibit a cost of living raise for legislators this year. 

“Before legislators give themselves a pay raise, we need to ensure that hardworking families across our state can make ends meet,” continued Stuart. “I will continue to prioritize protecting the middle class and providing property tax relief for my district.”