On May 28th, Republican State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield)introduced House Bill 4225.
Here’s how the Legislative Digest described it:
Prohibits cost-of-living adjustments for or during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 for State government legislative and executive elected officers and appointees in positions for which the Compensation Review Board previously recommended or determined compensation.
Tuesday, July 28th, House Speaker Mike Madigan used a shell bill to accomplish this, plus freezing mileage and per diem reimbursement rates.
Now, take a look at what legislators see when they look up HB 4225:
Look what happens on July 21st.
Not until seven weeks after the bill was introduced did McHenry County State Representatives Steve Andersson, Jack Franks and Barb Wheeler ask to be co-sponsors.
On February 3rd, State Rep. David McSweeney introduced the first bill like this.
After seeing the way the wind was blowing, Jack couldn’t allow himself to not appear to be part of something that would play so well back home.
But first, he had to figure out how much of an effect that passing on the pay raise would have on his pension.
Ten terms and you’re 100% vested, right Jack?
Can’t leave anything on the table.
Motivation and Money!
John Cullerton is still Waltzing about the Senate vote.
To early to tell, take the over under.
All of the co-sponsors added at the last minute are nothing but ‘glory seekers’.
Good to see that Tryon and McSweeney immediately signed on sponsors.
Interesting that the Rules committee would not permit a recorded vote.
Not unusual, just interesting.