Kifowit: Focuses on a Responsible Budget and Rejects Pay Increase

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, kept her focus on working towards a responsible budget as she voted this week to reject pay increases for the third time since being elected.

“My commitment is to the residents that I was elected to represent and not to self-serving interests, which is why for three years in a row I have voted against pay increases, not taken even a cup of coffee from a lobbyist, and why I do not have special license plates,” Kifowit said. “It is my top priority is to ensure that the state of Illinois has a responsible budget that does not harm the most vulnerable in our community, such as frail older adults, individuals with autism, epilepsy or developmental disabilities, or families on the brink of poverty.

The House approved House Bill 576, which Kifowit co-sponsored, to reject a cost of living increase for members of the General Assembly and state constitutional officers. For the past three years, Kifowit has voted to decrease salaries and reject pay increases, in addition to not accepting a taxpayer-funded pension. At the beginning of July, Kifowit also requested that the Comptroller discontinue her direct deposit, and pledged not to accept her pay until a budget is in place.

“It is time for the Governor to stop holding children with disabilities, frail older adults, and the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods hostage with an agenda that is harmful to families and has irreparable negative consequences for our community,” said Kifowit. “I will continue to advocate for all sides to come together in good faith and negotiate a budget that includes responsible cuts and eliminates waste, while protecting services that keep seniors in their home, providing early intervention services and caring for our most vulnerable citizens.”

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s full-time constituent service office by calling 630-585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.