Local WSIU
(2006-05-09)
CHICAGO, IL
(Chicago Public Radio) -
Illinois Senate President Emil Jones says Illinois legislators deserve a cost of living increase. Last month the state House voted down a recommendation for a pay raise.
But the state Senate failed to take action.
Jones says many in the private sector get raises to adjust for higher costs and so should state legislators.
"Don't treat legislators as second-class citizens. Just because you work in government does not mean you are wealthy or that you should not receive all of what the next of society has received," Jones says.
If the measure is not struck down and lawmakers put enough money into the budget, state officials could recieve as much as a 13% increase.
If that occurs, state legislators' pay would range between $65,000 and $90,000.
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he doesn't support pay raises for the legislators.
Jones says they will revisit the issue in November.
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