No raises, furloughs approved for lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers and other top state officials wouldn't get recommended 2.7 percent pay increases and would have to start publicly voting to approve any future raises under a plan the Illinois House approved Wednesday.

The plan, sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, also would slash officials' pay by requiring them to take four unpaid furlough days. It cleared the House 116-0 and now goes to the Illinois Senate.

Madigan's plan abolishes a state panel that sets state officials' pay. That board's report is sent to the General Assembly and automatically takes effect unless lawmakers vote to reject it.

For now, cost-of-living increases would be suspended only for the coming budget year, leaving it up to future General Assembly members to decide future pay raises. The 2.7 percent increase would add about $1,300 to lawmakers' base pay. They can make thousands of dollars more by running committees and serving in leadership.

Judges are excluded from Madigan's plan, in part because they've sued in the past when a cost-of-living increase was taken away, successfully winning on the grounds that state law forbids reducing salaries during someone's term in office.

In theory, a state lawmaker could use the same argument to challenge the four furlough days if they in fact are enacted, though several said that would not be a wise political move.

The Daily Herald recently asked all area lawmakers about the pending cost-of-living pay increase, and nearly all indicated it was not warranted given the economy. Most said they'd be willing to take whatever cuts or furloughs were being asked of state workers.

State Rep. Eddie Washington, a Waukegan Democrat, voted to freeze the cost-of-living increase Wednesday though he'd said previously the legislators should get the increase because he is feeling the squeeze of the economy just like everyone else.