Illinois State Capitol from the northwest.

Illinois legislators passed a bill to freeze their tax-free living expense subsidies while away from home overnight, as well as the reimbursements they receive for driving to and from legislative sessions and other official meetings.

Here is Governor Bruce Rauner’s bill signing press release:

Gov. Rauner signs HB 643, freezing legislative per diems

SPRINGFIELD (July 26, 2017) – Today, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 643, which freezes legislative per diems at their existing levels. The bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers of both parties, protects taxpayers and is fiscally responsible for Illinois.

Gov. Rauner said at the signing, “I want to thank members of the General Assembly who came together on a bipartisan basis to pass this legislation. This bill saves taxpayers money, and it’s a step in the right direction.”

Specifically, HB 643 sets General Assembly per diem rates at $111 per session day, sets mileage reimbursement at $0.39 per mile and prohibits cost of living adjustments for fiscal year 2018. The per diem and mileage rates are the same as those used in fiscal years 2012 through 2017.