State Representative Charlie Meier

State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) filed legislation for Illinois lawmakers to reject the 2.6% pay raise scheduled to take effect July 1, 2020 and also take away the 2.4% pay raise given to lawmakers last year. According to state law, each year lawmakers are scheduled to receive a ‘pay raise’ unless they vote to reject the annual cost of living adjustment.

“With record unemployment and less of revenue for the state, it makes no sense for the legislature to give themselves a pay raise,” said Rep. Meier. “The state will need to tighten its belt and squeeze every penny it can get for the fiscal year 2021 budget. There is no way the legislature can justify giving themselves a pay raise.”

State Rep. Charlie Meier filed House Bill 5777 to reject the annual pay raise for Illinois senators and representatives. If the House and Senate do not vote to reject the pay raise during session this week, then lawmakers will receive the $1,805 pay raise on July 1. If enacted, Meier’s legislation would reduce lawmaker salaries totaling $3,433.

Rep. Meier added, “When lawmakers received a pay raise last year, I donated the raise to five nonprofits serving southern Illinois. If this year’s pay raise is not rejected by the legislature, then I will donate this year’s raise again to local nonprofits.”