State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is donating a portion of her salary to the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN), which provides emergency financial support such as food and rent to local residents.
“EWAN is one of many great local nonprofits that does amazing work to help people stay on their feet when life throws them a curveball,” Mazzochi said. “We here in the 47th District are resilient, but sometimes even the strongest among us just need a little help.”
For Mazzochi, the donation is the latest she’s doled out to local charities as part of her protest against the legislative pay increases Democrats have secured for House lawmakers over the last years.
More recently, Mazzochi has blasted the increases as “even more deeply objectionable when so many are suffering because of COVID-related effects and economic shutdowns.”
Currently, Illinois lawmakers earn the fifth-highest base salary in the country with annual increases stemming from a three-decades-old law that grants them automatic increases. In recent times, Mazzochi has sponsored legislation that would require lawmakers to take a vote on any proposed increase.
Mazzochi is also encouraging community members to make donations to EWAN.
“While this year has been difficult for so many, there is still much to be thankful for and generosity to be shared,” she said. “I encourage everyone to do what they can to support one another. It doesn’t have to be financial assistance; you can cook a meal for your neighbor, connect with a senior who is struggling to cope with the necessary precautions of the pandemic, or do mental health checks on your friends. We grow stronger as individuals when we reach out and help others.”
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