Patti Bellock
State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) announced her intention today to decline pay and per diem during the 10-day special session of the Illinois General Assembly scheduled for June 21-30. State law provides that legislators are to be paid for their gas and lodging expenses related to attending session at the Capitol in addition to their regular salary.
It will cost taxpayers an additional $24,237 per-day for the Illinois House of Representatives and State Senate to be in special session during the final 10 days of June.
“I will not accept pay or per diem during the special session,” Rep. Bellock said. “We need to come together to pass a full-year comprehensive balanced budget. The most vulnerable in our state; including seniors on fixed incomes, single parents and their children, and individuals with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities cannot afford the continued destruction of our social safety net.”
“We also cannot afford to let critical road safety projects shut down on July 1, or allow the Illinois economy to sink further due to credit downgrades and the continued loss of jobs to neighboring states,” Bellock added. “Passing a full-year, balanced budget is the only way to avoid these damaging outcomes. I do not believe I should accept pay or per diems to return to Springfield after the General Assembly failed to pass a budget by the May 31 deadline.”
For questions or more information, please contact Rep. Bellock’s office at (630) 852-8633.
