Since 2007 Illinois State Representative Dan Beiser voted to raise his own pay by 17%. As Alton Treasurer, Beiser’s pay increased 74%. Republican Candidate for State Representative Kathy Smith has never voted to raise her own pay while serving on the Madison County Board and pledges to take a 10% pay cut if elected.
Illinois state representatives and senators receive the fifth highest paid salary in the country – $67,836. Only California, New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan pay their legislators more than Illinois.
According to a recent mailer sent to voters, Beiser states the following; “Dan Beiser thinks cuts should start with elected officials’ salaries.” However Dan Beiser doesn’t think his own pay should be cut. Since 2007, Dan Beiser voted 4 times to raise his own pay by 17%. In fact, as Alton city treasurer, Beiser’s pay increased 74%. Dan Beiser voted and supported the following taxpayer funded pay raises:
• Senate Bill 241 retroactive 9.6% raise
• Senate Bill 1102 3.8% cost of living adjustment
• House Bill 3866 9.6% raise and 3.5% cost of living adjustment
• House Bill 6378 3.8% cost of living adjustment
“As a member of the Madison County Board I have never voted to increase my own pay,” said Kathy Smith. “If elected State Representative I pledge to cut my own pay 10%. Illinois is broke, our elected officials should not be voting to increase their own pay.”
