SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, to block automatic salary increases for politicians recently passed the House with bipartisan support.

“Given the issues surrounding our state, this common sense legislation has made it through the House,” Scherer said. “We need to put an end to politicians putting themselves ahead of taxpayers.”

The bipartisan measure, House Bill 5760, would prohibit a cost of living increase in the upcoming fiscal year, blocking a pay increase for lawmakers and freezing pay at current levels.  Similar measures have passed in recent years with strong bipartisan support.

“I know there are more areas of government waste and red tape we can cut,” Scherer said. “Going forward that should be a top priority for legislators because it will help ease the burden for hardworking families all across the state.”

Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.