SPRINGFIELD—State Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) co-sponsored House Bill 3188 today to prevent legislators, the governor and constitutional officers from getting cost of living pay increases in addition to adding 12 mandatory furlough days to the legislative compensation package.

“Illinois is facing its worst financial crisis in history and we must reduce spending,” said Durkin. “Legislators should be the first to see the cuts, if we take 12 furlough days the budget will be cut by $642,000. That’s small in comparison to the budget, but it’s a start.”

In addition, House Bill 3188 continues the mileage reduction rate set for lawmakers last year taking their mileage rate down by about 30% and their travel reimbursement down by over 20%.

This is the fourth year in a row lawmakers have rejected cost of living increases for themselves, and the fourth year in a row they have taken furlough days which equates to a pay cut ($3,120).