Gaffney: Pay Raises for Illinois Leaders Deplorable

With Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed 2012 budget calling for more than $250,000 in pay increases for state leaders, State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Wauconda) says he is working on legislation to reverse the maneuver. 

Word of the pay raises comes on the heels of Quinn announcing deep cuts to state programs, facilities and jobs that total hundreds of millions of dollars.

“I vehemently oppose any proposal that would allow our State Legislature and other constitutional offices to receive a pay increase this year,” said Gaffney.  “While we are a long way from May and a final budget, pay raises for lawmakers must be taken off of the table immediately. To address this I am currently drafting legislation to ensure that Quinn’s proposed pay raises will not be implemented.”  

According to Gaffney, state leaders, including Illinois' constitutional officers, department directors, cabinet positions and members of executive commissions and boards are all scheduled to receive a pay raise under Quinn’s budget proposal.  

Source: Garret Hill, Illinois House GOP