SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In solidarity with taxpayers in her district, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, has refused all per diem and travel reimbursements paid to legislators for special session, as called by the governor.

“Illinois taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for a special session because Governor Rauner refused to negotiate a comprehensive budget,” Mussman said. “That’s why I am not accepting reimbursements for travel, food and lodging while I am back in Springfield this week. My constituents shouldn’t have to pay for the Governor’s lack of leadership.”

Governor Rauner’s budget crisis has passed the 700 day mark, and Illinois is nearing the beginning of another fiscal year without a budget. Mussman has made negotiating and passing a balanced budget her top priority and main focus in Springfield and is urging the governor to return to the negotiating table.

“While I am down in Springfield working to meet the Governor more than halfway on his agenda items—including a property tax freeze, workers’ compensation reform, government consolidation, and pension reform—Governor Rauner is filling my constituents’ mailboxes with negative political ads,” Mussman said. “Playing political games during arguably the most critical time in our state’s history is a poor display of leadership and only hurts our chances for bipartisan compromise.”