Didn't back legislative pay raise

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 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, along with State Sen. Susan Garrett, 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 our 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.

State Sen. Dan Kotowski

33rd District

Park Ridge