NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

GARRETT SAYS NO TO PAY INCREASES FOR LEGISLATORS
State Senator Garrett files resolution to reject anticipated salary increase

HIGHWOOD, Illinois -- State Senator Susan Garrett (D - Lake Forest) filed a Senate Resolution today that would disapprove the Compensation Review Board’s 2008 report which makes recommendations of salary increases for members of the Executive and Legislative branch.

The resolution rejects a 2008 report of the Compensation Review Board recommending a 3.8% cost of living adjustment increase for Fiscal Year 2009. In addition, the report recommends the state legislature accepts two previously rejected COLAs which would result in a significant salary increase for Illinois public officials.

“I strongly believe every legislator should be of the mindset to completely reject another salary increase as the state faces hard economic times,” said Garrett who has been a member of the General Assembly since 1999. “This state can’t pay its own bills and there are thousands of people out of work. And those who are employed are not being offered raises.  I don’t believe there is any justification for a pay increase for state legislators,” she added.

The General Assembly has 30 session days after the House and Senate next convenes following the filing of the Report to disapprove it in whole or reduce it proportionately. Using the current session calendar, May 29th would be the 25th day leaving only 5 additional session days within which the Report could be rejected.