Oberweis bill would prohibit pay/per diem hikes for lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) is cosponsoring legislation that prohibits pay raise proposals and per diem/mileage reimbursement hikes for legislators and other elected officials.

House Bill 5760 would block Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for lawmakers, along with any increases in per diem or mileage reimbursement rates.

“During a fiscal crisis of the magnitude facing Illinois, it would be a slap in the face to taxpayers for lawmakers and other elected officials to accept a pay increase,” Oberweis said. “Many times this year, I have asked my colleagues to look at bills based on their merit, not just partisan politics. If it is a bad bill, vote against it. If a bill makes sense, vote for it. House Bill 5760 makes sense.”

The bill also prohibits automatic raises for statewide constitutional officers, State’s attorneys, and all appointees in positions in which the Compensation Review Board previously recommended or determined pay.

Passed by the House of Representatives on April 18, House Bill 5760 awaits a public hearing in the Senate Government Reform Committee. If passed by the Senate, the bill would then move to the Governor’s desk, and become law with his signature.