No time to raise pay for legislators

This is no time for a legislative pay raise.

Too many Illinois families are facing financial hardships where one person has a job, but there isn't enough income to pay for basic expenses like the mortgage or rent, utilities, gas to get to work or health care.

Private sector wages have declined almost 4 percent over the last year alone and as many as three in every 10 workers can't save a dime for retirement.

In the midst of these difficulties, we in the public sector have a special responsibility to manage state government efficiently and effectively while doing all we can to improve the quality of life for the people of this state.

That is why I opposed the legislative pay raise from the beginning, co-sponsored a resolution, to stop it and donated a portion of my salary for an educational scholarship.

Establishing and maintaining public faith in state government requires that we in Springfield hold ourselves to a higher standard of accountability.

That means leading by example and demonstrating to the people of my district and beyond that I understand the plight of working families and small businesses.

I will continue to stand up and oppose the pay raise as long as Illinoisans are struggling and the services they need are being cut.

Dan Kotowski

State Senator

Mount Prospect