North Cook News

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois announced on Jun. 8 that lawmakers in the state will be granted a 5% salary raise, which is included in the Governor's ambitious $50.4 billion spending plan, setting a new record for the state.

"From the beginning, I promised to work together with the General Assembly to restore fiscal responsibility to our state government after years of mismanagement," Pritzker said.

After approving the plan, Pritzker has been actively touring the state to gather support for it. According to The Center Square, the plan includes allocating an additional $200 million for pension payments, $250 million for the inaugural year of Smart Start Illinois and a minimum of $80 million for affordable housing.

"Thanks to our firmer fiscal foundation, we have been able to put billions of dollars back into the pockets of Illinois taxpayers while investing in our future," Pritzker said.

Illinois is known for having one of the highest local and state tax rates, and Pritzker presents his plan as a crucial step toward steering the state in the right direction after years of turmoil.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) shared criticism for the governor's proposal.

"While Illinois families struggle, Gov. Pritzker decreased the politician pay [by] a paltry 0.5%. While this change may make it constitutional, it does not make it right," McCombie said. "House Republicans will continue to hold the majority party accountable to not only our constitutional rights but also to Illinois taxpayers."

The annual salary increase for state lawmakers is limited to 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is lower. Initially, the pay raise was set at 5.5%, but Pritzker vetoed it and reduced it to a 5% increase due to the cap on the cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Republicans showed strong unity against the plan, arguing against allocating additional taxpayer funds to lawmakers while Illinois families across the state already face the burden of high tax rates and inflation.