State Representative Tim Butler votes to stop legislative pay raises
House Bill 576 passes, freezing legislator pay for 2016 fiscal year

[July 29, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield) voted to stop a pay raise scheduled to take effect next month for Illinois lawmakers.

House Bill 576 co-sponsored by Rep. Butler will keep the current base legislative salary for Illinois lawmakers at $67,836 for Fiscal Year 2016. The legislation also prevents increases in mileage, lodging and meal reimbursements for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

“With billions in state debt and billions in unpaid bills, lawmakers should not be rewarded with a pay raise,” said Rep. Tim Butler. “It is unconscionable that previous General Assemblies set it up for lawmakers to receive this COLA and I was proud to vote against this unneeded pay raise.”

Today was not the only opportunity for lawmakers to reject their pay raise. On May 28th, Rep. Butler co-sponsored legislation (HB 4225) to prevent legislators, statewide elected officials and appointees in positions from receiving a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2016. However, the legislation was never allowed to receive a vote by the House of Representatives.

Rep. Butler added, “I have waited two months for the legislature to refuse the pay raise scheduled to take effect this year. I call on the State Senate to approve the bill promptly so that Governor Rauner can sign it into law.”

Governor's Office Statement on Passage of HB 576

The Governor’s Office has issued the following statement, attributable to Lance Trover, Director of Communications:

“Governor Rauner appreciates today’s action in the House and thanks all those members who showed leadership on this issue. We encourage President Cullerton to swiftly move this legislation to the governor’s desk for his signature. Governor Rauner is ready to work with Speaker Madigan, Leader Durkin and all members of the General Assembly to pass true structural reforms and a balanced budget.”

[First release from the Office of State Representative Tim Butler, Second release from the Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner]