2016 candidate Heidi Holan, running for House District 46 – Villa Park, recently decried the paychecks earned by part-time lawmakers in Springfield, stating that vendors currently owed by the state should take priority over legislative salaries.
When a recent article in Illinois Policy suggested that “a select few…have shielded themselves from the pain they’ve inflicted on others…,” Holan echoed the statement, saying that point of view “Nails it!” on her Facebook page.
"It shouldn't be so lucrative to be a part-time legislator in Springfield,” said Holan. “Legislator pay should not be a priority payment over vendors.”
Only during the week of July 4 did legislators receive compensation following a decision earlier this year by State Comptroller Leslie Munger to re-prioritize allocation of the state’s diminished capital resources and delay congressional pay.
Controversy erupted when lawmakers claimed they deserved to be paid ahead of social service agencies and other state contractors, with State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) saying she and her colleagues were employees, not vendors. Further debate ensued regarding legislative pensions, which average $96,000 annually.
“Did your legislator vote to make his/her pay a continuing appropriation?” Holan said. She similarly deplored state-level legislative spending with a recent statement recommending that congressional paychecks take a back seat to other liabilities. “Did he/she accept the lucrative pension? Say no to the status quo on Nov. 8.”
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