 The General Assembly reauthorized this year's portion of the state's
$31 billion construction package and cut their pay. Neither move was
a surprise.Construction work
Gov. Pat Quinn warned lawmakers earlier this month that work on
new roads, bridges, schools and university buildings would grind to
a halt because the legislature could not agree on the annual
reauthorization.
The Democratic Senate, who tried to tie $430 million in new
spending for education and human services to the reauthorization, on
Wednesday extolled the need for the road plan and the jobs it would
save.
State Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, said lawmakers realized
that billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are too important.
These projects are "something that everybody across the state was
concerned with," said Sullivan. "But we got that job done."
State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said his district has $560
million worth of construction projects.
"All these jobs could have gone by the wayside," Jacobs said.
"And I'm pleased that my Republican friends didn't just vote ‘no,’
but voted ‘yes.’"
There was little doubt that lawmakers would approve the massive
infrastructure program, said state Sen. Pam Althoff, R-Crystal Lake.
"That is a jobs bill. We are going to keep people on the job. We
are going to see our construction projects and our capital projects
move forward. Unbelievably important. Happy to come back down here
for that," said Althoff.
Quinn, in a statement, applauded lawmakers.
"The General Assembly took action today to keep the state's
biggest economic recovery program going, ensuring that thousands of
workers stay on the job," said Quinn.
[to top of second column] |
 Pay cuts
Lawmakers always have voted to cut their own pay, with this time
being no different. The measure unanimously passed the House but saw
four Senators casting opposing votes in its passage with a 48-4
tally.
State Sen. Anazette Collins, D-Chicago, said she works hard for
her legislative salary and does not want to cave in to
grandstanding.
"I could do it for free if I was rich, but I'm not. And I have
mouths to feed. I have myself to take care of," said Collins. "And
I'm not going to pretend that I am rich and that I can do it for
free."
Collins and state Sens. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, and Mattie
Hunter, D-Chicago, joined state Sen. Tom Johnson, R-Naperville, in
voting against the pay cut.
State Sen. Dan Kotowski, D-Park Ridge, said legislative pay cuts
and furlough days will save about $500,000.
"I know this is difficult, but people at home and in their
business have had to make very difficult decisions. And I know this
is public service and I know there is sacrifice involved in it,"
said Kotowski.
Illinois lawmakers make nearly $68,000 a year. Wednesday's vote
would take $3,000 from each legislator next year. This is the third
consecutive year lawmakers have voted to trim their pay.
Both the construction package and the pay cut go to Quinn's desk
for his signature.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]
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