Kotowski's record on legislator raises

This is in response to a Letter to the Editor from Dan Kotowski that states that he opposes legislative raises. Unfortunately, his talk does not match his actions.

After serving in the State Senate just over four months, Dan Kotowski voted for Senate Bill 241 in May of 2007, that gave legislators a 9.6 percent pay increase.

In addition to this Senate Bill, Kotowski also voted for the 2007-2008 State Budget which included another 3.5 percent legislative pay increase which brought the grand total to just over 13 percent.

Kotowski says he opposed this year's pay raise from the start and yet he voted for a state budget that includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for legislators.

The same budget that is over $2 billion in the red.

The state can't pay its bills on time, but rest assured legislators are all ready receiving their pay raises. It is clear that Mr. Kotowski talks a big game but does not put his words into action.

Just to make sure he covers his bases, he donates a portion of his salary for an educational scholarship fund. If I could put an additional $10,000 in my pocket, I would donate more money to charity too.

Talk about opposing pay raises and giving money to charity, it must be an election year.

It's time to be honest with the hard-working people of the 33rd District and the state.

Mike Sweeney

Candidate, State Senate

Arlington Heights