North Cook News

Marylin Smolenski, Republican candidate for the 55th House District, is dismayed at the lack of transparency and accountability shown by her opponent, incumbent Martin J. Moylan (D-Des Plaines), and the Democratic politicians who are using the "No Budget, No Pay" act as a bargaining chip in the election race.

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) co-sponsored H.B. 4253 in 2015, which would, according to Batinick, "apply the pressure needed to get the bipartisan budget passed that the State very much desires," as it would halt the salaries of representatives and senators if a budget were not agreed upon.

Since the bill was introduced, Democratic candidates have been using the term "No Budget, No Pay" in order to get elected, with no intention of actually enacting the bill, according to a press release. Republican politicians have called this use of the term "No Budget, No Pay" by the Democrats a con and dishonest.

Martin J. Moylan (D-Des Plaines) | Courtesy of North Cook News

Smolenski is infuriated that her opponent has made claims about being concerned about a responsible state budget and believes these statements to be little more than a political ploy. 

"He voted to guarantee funding for legislative salaries in a government shutdown, even as state workers would see their salaries slashed and face layoffs (SB 274)," Smolenski told North Cook news. "Marty doesn't care if you don't get your paycheck, as long as he gets his. Don’t let him get away with it. Let's bring accountability back to Springfield."

Smolenski also calls into question House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who has opposed "No Budget, No Pay," and is, according to her, more concerned with maintaining power than maintaining transparency.

"Moylan and Madigan are all smoke and mirrors, it's a game of 'listen to what we say but don't watch what we do,'" Smolenski said.

The 55th House District covers portions of Des Plaines, Park Ridge and Elk Grove Village in Cook County.