The bill modifies the General Assembly Compensation Act and the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. By withholding salaries during budget impasses, it incentivizes members of the General Assembly to prioritize and expedite budget negotiations. The removal of legislative salaries from continuing appropriations provisions means that their pay is subject to immediate legislative action and aligns their financial interests with the state’s budgetary health.
Summary
SB2139, introduced by Senator Andrew S. Chesney, addresses the compensation of members of the Illinois General Assembly in relation to budget accountability. The bill stipulates that starting in 2024, if the General Assembly fails to pass a balanced budget by June 30 of each year, the pay for its members, including any additional compensation for legislative officers, will be withheld until a balanced budget is approved. This introduces a new fiscal responsibility on lawmakers to ensure timely budget resolutions, impacting their fiscal accountability.
Contention
While supporters of SB2139 argue that it creates necessary financial consequences for lawmakers who fail to meet budget deadlines, opponents may view it as an attack on legislative independence and efficiency. Concerns may arise regarding the potential for political maneuvering where budget negotiations could be held up for strategic reasons, impacting public service. Additionally, debate may surface surrounding the implications on how this bill could affect the recruitment and retention of individuals pursuing legislative roles, given the financial uncertainties introduced by the conditional salary provisions.
No Budget, No Pay Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not agreed to a budget resolution for FY2024 by April 15, 2023, as required by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Salaries are withheld from April 16, 2023, until the earlier of (1) the day on which the chamber of Congress agrees to a budget resolution, or (2) the last day of the 118th Congress.