|
During a lengthy Illinois House Appropriations Committee hearing,
numerous state agencies testified and some requested increased
funding to boost salaries, including Michelle Casey, executive
director of the Executive Ethics Commission.
“I’m aware that this ask is substantial, but we are trying to stem
the tide and stop the bleed where we train up professionals to have
them lured away by better pay and more job security,” Casey said.
Other agencies that testified included the Illinois Liquor Control
Commission, Illinois Arts Council, and the Commission on Equity and
Inclusion.
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said there is a
simple reason why state agencies are asking for more funding.
“I think it's super important to understand why we’re in this
position and why we may be in it again to have to hit our taxpayers
up for significant increases for salaries across the board on most
of our agencies so let's not forget where the problem is coming
from,” said McLaughlin. “It's too much government spending and that
in itself causes the devaluation of the dollar.”
Lawmakers will consider the funding requests for the annual budget
that starts July 1 when they resume spring session later this month.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
|
|
