For Immediate Release
PECK CALLS ON LAWMAKERS TO CUT PAY, BENEFITS
Peck challenges opponent to refuse future pay raises
Plainfield, IL September 20, 2012: Garrett Peck, Republican candidate for the Illinois State Senate in the 49th district, called today for a complete freeze of legislator salary and benefits until Illinois’ debt crisis is solved and is its bills are paid.
“I don’t think I could look my constituents in the eye if I took pay increases out of their pockets, while Illinois families are struggling to pay the bills,” said Peck. “What kind of example is that to set, when politicians can’t pay vendors and providers, but take a pay increase? It’s unconscionable.”
Peck also proposed that state lawmakers take a 10% pay reduction.
“Look, being a State Senator was never meant to be a full-time job. It’s a part-time job with full-time duties,” said Peck. “We need to show our constituents that we are willing to make the spending cuts and sacrifices necessary to eliminate the state deficit and roll back the Democrats’ 67 percent income tax increase. My goal is to bring the state back to solvency, while promoting more effective, efficient government—and ultimately enable taxpayers to keep more of their take home pay.”
Peck called on his opponent to join him in pledging to reject any increases in legislative pay and benefits, while calling for a 10 percent reduction in legislative salaries.
Peck spoke of his worry of the debt Illinois currently is operating under and his eagerness to help propose bold solutions that will empower the state to be economically viable once again.
“Illinois has the worst credit rating in the country. In addition to a mountain of debt, we have at least $120 billion in unfunded pension liabilities,” Peck said. “Reducing legislative pay demonstrates lawmakers are serious about fixing the state’s financial problems. In order to regain the public’s trust, we must lead by example.”
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